Dennis Allen Dietz, age 81, of Polk City, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Memorial Services of Iowa, (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa). Burial will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, honoring his distinguished military service.

Dennis was born on September 13, 1944, in Hays, Kansas, to Fred George and Esther Marie (Phares) Dietz. A lifelong learner and leader, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law.

On May 27, 1965, Dennis married the love of his life, Sheila Gayle (Hallagin) Dietz, beginning a 60-year partnership filled with love, laughter, and service to others.

Dennis devoted nearly four decades to military service with passion and integrity. He first served as an enlisted Marine, deploying to Japan and Vietnam where he worked in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). His military journey continued with the Army National Guard, where in 2004, he was deployed to Kosovo to ensure fair compensation for local landowners affected by military operations. Dennis rose through the ranks to become Colonel and head of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps at Camp Dodge. Upon his retirement, he was promoted to Brigadier General, concluding a remarkable 38-year career of service to his country.

In addition to his military service, Dennis built a respected career in law and public service. He spent 20 years as in-house counsel for Mutual Benefit Life before taking roles with the Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa Finance Authority. At the state level, he oversaw the Title Guarantee Division and low-income housing initiatives, later serving as a lobbyist where his insight and integrity earned the respect of colleagues across the state.

Dennis was deeply devoted to his community, generously giving his time and expertise to numerous organizations, including the Ames School Board, the Johnston Rotary Club, the Polk City Planning and Zoning Commission, the Kosovo Consulate in Des Moines, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, and the North Polk Comet Cupboard Food Pantry.

He was known for his ability to “fix” nearly anything—mechanical, electronic, or human—and for his boundless curiosity, often found with a nonfiction book in hand.

Above all, Dennis cherished his family. He took immense pride and joy in his children and grandchildren, and this past December, he was delighted to spend time with all 17 family members together in San Diego, a moment he deeply treasured.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Sheila Dietz; his children, Annette Dietz (Jeffrey Schlimgen), Michelle Dietz (Andrew Cox), Aaron Dietz (Pei Lin), and Suzanne Dietz (Kyle Honnig); and his cherished grandchildren, Owen, Wyatt, Vivian, Nathan, Elena, Emory, and Sydney. He is also survived by his sister, Vicki Krehbiel (Larry Krehbiel).

Dennis will be remembered for his steadfast leadership, sharp intellect, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family, service, and community. His life was an example of integrity and love—a legacy that will live on through those who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers please honor Dennis by making a donation to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum by mail to 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131 or to the North Polk Comet Cupboard Food Pantry at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z7AC/home