Rob Dietz, 54

Rob Dietz, 54, of Hampton, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023, as the result of an auto accident. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m.– 8 p.m., Friday, October 27 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hampton. Memorial services will be held at the church on Saturday, October 28 at 11 a.m. Interment is planned at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Latimer at a future date. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Hampton is caring for Rob and his family.

Robert Wallace Dietz was born September 20, 1969, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Dennis and Barbara (Eastman) Dietz.

Rob graduated from Waterloo West High in the class of 1988. He then attended Cornell College where he played football, and later attended the University of Northern Iowa. Throughout Rob’s youth he was an active member on a number of football and hockey teams.

Rob enjoyed listening to country music and loved to two-step. He met Linda Pralle on the dance floor, and on November 15, 1997, they were united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Latimer.

Rob held various jobs that he enjoyed, but ultimately discovered his passion in barbeque. He, with his family, started Wholly Smoke BBQ, where he was the owner, pit boss, and chief bottle washer. Through Wholly Smoke, he enjoyed being a part of many celebrations; including weddings, graduations, and family reunions. He was challenged every year at the Franklin County Fair with long lines and overwhelming support from the community.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hampton. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, canoeing, cooking, and still listening to country music.

His memory is cherished by his wife Linda; children: Jordan, Carter and Sophie; parents Barbara and Dennis Dietz; brother: Doug Dietz; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Sherri Dietz and his grandparents.