Thomas Evan Dietz

Thomas (Tom) Evan Dietz, 69, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away to join his Lord & Savior on March 20, 2023. Tom was born July 3, 1953 in Alpena, Michigan to Leonard R. Dietz and Shirley J. Dietz (Robinson). While growing up he was a woodworking apprentice to his dad – learning skills he would carry with him his entire career. At Alpena High School he had an amazing running prowess which made him a star athlete on the football and track teams. He began honing his musical skills as a founding member of a praise band with high school friends, making guest appearances at area churches and youth rallies. After graduating in 1971, he started working in construction.

In 1981 he moved out to Wyoming, being drawn to its majestic natural beauty. After settling down in Gillette, Tom met Deanna (Seymour) at church and they married in 1982. For 40 years, Tom was a cabinet maker and master craftsman to the community – creating beautiful pieces in homes to be cherished for years to come.

He had a great passion for giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others, serving on mission trips throughout his life, building schools and churches in Haiti, Mexico, and drilling water wells in Tanzania. Following in his Father’s footsteps, Tom served as a Gideon for five years – an organization dedicated to distributing God’s Word around the world.

Tom loved the outdoors – he was an avid fly fisherman and took every opportunity to create lasting memories camping with his friends and family. In 2010, Tom caught the fish of a lifetime on Tie Hack Reservoir in the Big Horn Mountains – a 10 pound brown trout that he reeled in for over 45 minutes and caught with no net.  He’d never admit it but, it was one of his proudest achievements. 

Tom joined the Gillette Chamber Singers in the fall of 1997. During his 25+ years with the group, he toured and traveled to 11 countries, singing in beautiful cathedrals and countrysides. Tom relished his many years of making and performing music. He made lifelong friends while sharing his musicianship and laughter during every rehearsal and performance. Along with singing in the choir, at times he also accompanied the group with his guitar and bass. Tom also played bass guitar and sang with many church worship teams. 

His love for God was shown through music. After decades of being a musician and woodworker, Tom combined his two crafts and began making custom acoustic guitars – creating the most beautiful and melodic instruments to be played for generations. 

Tom was a beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, friend and jokester - always a quiet person whose two or three word addition to any conversation would have those around him rolling with laughter. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Jeffery Ivan. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; six children, Dana Dietz, TJ Dietz, Nicole (Kevin Grace) Dietz, Anna (Drake) Kent, Amanda (Nate) Schelling and Andrew (Ashley) Dietz; 9 grandchildren, Cameron, Trenten, Aubraeny, Kirra, Kali, Liam, Ivan, Draysen, Kellen; and 6 siblings, Doug (Carrie) Dietz, Peggy (Tom) Knoop, Sheryl (Don) Stephens, Kay (Tim) Munger, Brad (Meera) Dietz and Charlie (Kim) Dietz.

Memorials can be made in Tom's name to the Sakila Primary School in Tanzania and The Gideons International.

Sakila hyperlink: https://www.fotzc.org/sakila

Gideon’s hyperlink: https://www.gideons.org/donate

A memorial service will be conducted for Tom at 10:00 a.m.,  Saturday, March 25, at Family Life Church of Gillette.