Lester Dietz was born on October 30, 1931 in Elgin, ND to Henry and Johanna (Kolodjeski) Dietz.  Lester grew up in New Leipzig, ND and played on the high school football team.  During high school he held many jobs including carpentry and working for the railroad. He graduated from New Leipzig High School in 1950.  After high school, Lester trained at Moler Barber College in Fargo, ND and received his barber's license.  Lester barbered in Bismarck, ND for a short time before he entered the military.

Lester served in the U.S. Army in Korea from Jan. 17, 1951 to Sept. 22, 1952.  He received the Korean Service Medal and three Bonze Stars. He also received the Combat Infantry Badge and the United Nations Service Medal.

On September 12, 1954, he married Leola Rauscher at Zion Lutheran Church in Elgin, ND.
In October of 1955, Lester and Leola moved from Bismarck to Linton and he established the Dietz Barbershop.

Lester barbered in Linton from 1955 to 2001 and became good friends with many of his customers and neighbors. His customers called him "Red" because of his bright red hair. He was quick to lend a hand to all his friends and neighbors and had a great sense of humor. He was known for being hard working, reliable, and willing and able to fix almost anything.

Lester loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was very active in Peace Lutheran Church and he faithfully served on the church council and as Worship Deacon and head usher for many years.

Lester loved going camping and fishing with his family and bird hunting with his friends.  Most of all, he loved music. Everyone appreciated his rich, bass voice.  He thoroughly enjoyed singing in the church choir, a men's quartet, and the 1976 bicentennial musical. He played accordion and made sure all his daughters were involved in music, for which they are very thankful.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Leola, and his three daughters and sons-in-law, Donnette (George) Joyal of Longmont, CO, Paulette (Stephen) Krenz of Spring Hill, TN, and Ronda (Steve) Loegering of Casselton, ND, and his grandchildren, Steven Joyal; David, Daniel, and Timothy Krenz; Hanna, David, Grace, Emily, and Michael Loegering, and also his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Duane and Bernice Dietz of Placentia, CA, and Marvin and Donness Dietz of Bismarck, ND.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents and one older brother, Ernest, who died in early childhood.