Howard Eugene Deiter, 92, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital, surrounded by family.
Howard was born April 21, 1931, at home in rural Maple Hill, KS., the son of Francis P. and Verna M. (Stone) Deiter. He grew up in the Maple Hill community and graduated from Maple Hill High School in 1949.
Howard was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a faithful adorer, Honorary Life Member of Knights of Columbus Council # 657, the Thomas A. McNeive Fourth Degree Assembly, and had served on the Parish Council. He was a member of the Maple Hill Senior Center and had served on the Wabaunsee County ASCS Board (FSA).
Howard married Grace Louise Cowan on October 9, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Delia, KS. He often referred to her as his “Pretty Irish Bride"; They celebrated 68 years together. Howard and Louise were blessed with five children. They made their home in Maple Hill, where Howard farmed and ranched for many years.
Howard enjoyed many breakfasts, steak nights, and other events at the Senior Center. He especially liked visiting with the men at lunch. Howard enjoyed his time at the casino and working with his scrap metal for recycling. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events. He was their #1fan and enjoyed telling everyone about their accomplishments. His great-grandchildren also brought him tremendous joy and he loved attending their birthday parties.
He is survived by his wife of the home; daughters, Julie (Chuck) Ross, Shelley (Michael) Kruger, all of Silver Lake; son, Greg (Rachel) Deiter, Maple Hill; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Deiter, Wichita; his sister. Maxine Bronaugh, Maple Hill; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Howard was preceded by his parents, sons Steven Patrick and Timothy Michael Deiter; a grandson Dale Kruger; brothers Glen, Robert, Melvin, Harold and William; sisters Dorothy Watt and Shirley Meier.
Howard’s love of family and faith in God were most important to him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys. Mr. Deiter will lie in state, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the Rosary at 7:00, Friday, May 19, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Maple Hill Senior Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.
COMMENT By Frank Ruff:
Back in 2008, KU had a decent football team. I wanted to see the KSU-KU game that year but I did not have cable. So, I drove to Washington DC and found a nice bar/restaurant to watch the game. Most tables were full, but I had room at my table. I man asked if he could join me. I said "sure." He introduced himself as Steven Deiter from Seneca, KS and he was in DC with his wife who was attending a meeting or convention. He wanted to watch the game and ended up in the same bar as me.
In the third quarter, I finally asked him if he had any relatives in Maple Hill. He replied "My father, Howard Deiter and family." I then replied " Well, I used to watch your family and you come into the Rossville Catholic Church every Sunday for many years."
Steven was an attorney and judge. I just read his obituary. He passed away in 2012 from ALS,. He was known by people from Rossville.
