Caroljean “Carol” A. Dietrich

Caroljean A. “Carol” Dietrich of Merrill

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2020, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. She was 82 years old. Caroljean A. Bluemer was born on September 28, 1937, the seventh of eight children born to the late Emil and Hattie (Kade) Bluemer. She was a proud 1955 graduate of Merrill High School. Carol married the love of her life, James G. Dietrich on May 10, 1958; he preceded her in death on October 20, 2017. She worked as a church secretary with Zion Lutheran Church and as a clerk at the Merrill Pharmacy for many years. Carol was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on many church committees. She also was a board member for the Merrill District Library. She was an avid bowler and loved playing cards with friends. Above all, she loved camping in the backyard with her kids and grandchildren and making homemade donuts with them. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful spirit and her love of family.

Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law: Jeanell and Terry Pretzer of Saginaw; Joann and Gary Frost of Merrill; Jeanette and Dan Thiel of Saginaw; nine grandchildren and their spouses: James and Debbie Pretzer, Robert Pretzer and Nichole Higgins, Kyle and Tobi Frost, Ryan and Caitlyn Frost, Amanda and Mike Budge, Tracy Thiel, Tricia Thiel, Brandon Brown and Jacob Thiel; 10 great-grandchildren: James “J.T.” Pretzer, Riley Pretzer, Oliver Pretzer, Willow Pretzer, Danielle Jule, Elizabeth Frost, Callen Frost, Deacon Frost, Abigail Budge, and Charlie Budge; sister, Betty McCraken; two sisters-in-law, Debbie Bluemer and Violet Bluemer. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers: Norine and Fred Reider, Freida and Joe Laucker, Lester and Mary Bluemer, Arno and Alice Bluemer, Marvin Bluemer, Donald Bluemer.

A private funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Merrill Wesleyan Church, 3765 N. Chapin Road, Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Pastor Tim Morris will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Merrill District Library.