Obituary

Dieterle, Louetta L. Saline, MI

Age 91, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2011, at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Louetta was born on August 14, 1919, in Saline Township, MI, the daughter of William and Lillian (Alber) Finkbeiner. On February 1, 1940, she married Robert C. Dieterle Sr. and he survives. Louetta and her husband Robert worked their 95-acre farm, raising sheep, chickens, cows, hogs, produce, and flowers. Louetta and Robert were the longest-selling vendors at Ann Arbor's Farmers' Market, never missing a Saturday from 1940 until they retired in 2007. Louetta may be best remembered for her flowers. Every year, she planted and sold hundreds of flowers. Visible from their farmhouse's kitchen window, Louetta's garden was filled with vibrant colors. Each week, their porch would be filled with buckets of flowers ready for market. Louetta was most famous for her dahlias, which she learned to plant from her husband's mother 70 years ago. Louetta was a life-long member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. An avid card player, she particularly enjoyed playing cribbage and euchre. She loved horticulture and the satisfaction of hard work. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Robert Dieterle Sr., her son Bob (Dianne) Dieterle Jr. of the Village of Loch Lloyd, MO, and daughter Sue (Braden) Farmer-Quinn of San Clemente, CA; her grandchildren Bob, Sarah, Kristin, and Michael Dieterle, and Garret and Collin Farmer; and her sisters Sylvia Weber and Violet Harrison. Louetta was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lauren Finkbeiner, and her sister Doris Gordon. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Saline, MI, with Rev. Dr. Patricia Kenney, officiating. Burial will take place following the service in the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church. Envelopes will be available at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline, where friends may begin calling on Friday, January 14, 2011 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and at the Church on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. To sign Louetta's guestbook or to leave a memory visit http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/annarbor/ or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com