Erik Ralph Dieterich

Erik Ralph Dieterich, 66, passed away in his home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday, June 29th, 2025.

Erik was born in Kankakee, Illinois on February 17th, 1959, to the late Violet Ruth Nichols Settles and Charles David Dieterich. Upon moving to Kentucky, he attended Glasgow High School and would go on to earn his GED when he joined the United States Army. He served as a Solider in the US Army, where he operated mechanized infantry and completed two tours in Germany.

Erik married the love of his life, Etta, after a 26-day courtship on March 26th, 1983. The two would quicky run away to Texas and enjoy years of the honeymoon phase before returning to Kentucky in 1990. For 42 years, Erik was fiercely loyal and hopelessly devoted to his bride. The two enjoyed spending time together and with loved ones on their little farm.

He was the proud father of four daughters: Erika Wood (Brice), Erin Dieterich, Evie Wooten (Boo), and Emma Echeverria Nolasco (Demny). He was the doting grandfather to ten grandchildren: Tayveon Wood, DaNiya Wooten, Aiden Wisdom, Olivia Wood, Junior Wooten, Demny Echeverria Dieterich, Isaac Meadows, Kory Echeverria Dieterich, Chloe Echeverria Dieterich, and Violet Wooten.

Erik was the loving, obnoxious, and overbearing brother to Valerie Dieterich (Tammy), who he adored and tormented all his life. For the last four years of his life, the two lived only minutes apart and spent quality time together.

His work history consisted of years of maintenance work at companies fixing lottery machines and then copier machines. The last 15 years of his professional life were spent at Bowling Green Metalforming. During his time before he retired, he was a meticulous welder and a remarkable team lead. His most noteworthy contribution to the company was dressing up as Santa Claus during the holiday parties, a role that he thoroughly enjoyed.

Erik loved the Lord and read his Bible daily. He was a man of integrity with unlimited wisdom. He was known for his quick wit, infectious laughter, and unwavering kindness. This gentle giant will be remembered by his teethy grin and epic beard.

In addition to being survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and sister; he also leaves behind his stepmother, Dolores Dieterich and six stepsiblings.

In lieu of flowers, his widow has requested windchimes. Erik and Etta thoroughly enjoyed sitting in their rocking chairs on their screened in porch listening to their windchimes.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00, Saturday, July 5th, at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial on the family farm in Smiths Grove.  Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Friday, and Saturday morning until time for the service at the funeral home.  

Military honors will be provided at the graveside by Glasgow DAV Chapter #20.