Joan T. (Benz) Dietrich
Joan T. (Benz) Dietrich, age 93, of Quincy, formerly of Payson, IL, died on September 11, 2026, in Blessing Hospital. She was born on April 1, 1933 in Quincy the daughter George & Frances (Bockhold) Benz. She married Eugene Dietrich on May 2, 1953. He preceded her in death on December 9, 2002. Joan had previously worked at Motorola. She was a Bus Driver for Bus #6 in the Payson School system for over 30 years.
Joan was a long-time and active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She volunteered in the Food Pantry of the church, made baptismal stolls for over 35 years, served the funeral luncheons, and in 2018 was awarded the Ladies of Distinction Award from the Diocese of Springfield for her work at the church. Joan was always a very caring and giving person. She sent cards and cookies to countless family and friends over the years. Joan was an excellent cook and known for her dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls and egg noodles. She was a seamstress and made many dresses and other items for family and friends. She donated blood often over the years and reached the level of 23 gallons of blood donated. She also volunteered at the Payson Food Pantry. She was a member of the Home Extension, the Fan Club and the Merry Widows. Joan was an avid walker. She was also a gardener and was known for her gladiolas. At 55, she was proud to have learned how to snow ski. She also loved traveling and had the honor of meeting Pope Francis on a trip to Rome.
She is survived by:
HER CHILDREN: Dale Dietrich and his wife April, Diana Harpole and her husband Edwin, Linda Freeman and her husband Rick, and Donna Vogt and her husband Terry.
DAUGHTER IN LAW: Kathy Dietrich
GRANDCHILDREN: Tricia Dietrich and her husband Shawn Palmer; Ashley Schmuke and her fiancé Dustin Arnett, Ian Dietrich and his wife Dianna, Chris Freeman and his wife Kara, Kari Connelly and her husband Sean, Grant Freeman, Jenna Phillips and her husband James, Tyler Vogt, and Adam Vogt.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Beckett Schmuke, Dietrich Schmuke, Miles Dietrich, Theo Dietrich, Bascom Freeman, Rya Connelly, Jackson Phillips and Jagger Phillips, Marlina Vogt, Armina Vogt and Axel Vogt.
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.
In addition to her husband, Joan was also preceded in death by a son Leo Dietrich, and siblings: Eleanor Ehrhardt, Bill Benz, Mary Ohnemus, Barbara Boone, Leo Benz, and Eddie Benz along with 3 additional siblings in infancy.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 9:15 AM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
God had to smile at his masterpiece when he created Aunt Joan! Not only was she a Beautiful Human inside and out but her heart of gold was so strong she showered everyone with so much love for 93 years! She always gave the biggest hugs and pats on the back of encouragement with her mega watt smile letting you know she was behind you every step of your journey! Her talents were endless but she was so humble it’s just what she did! I know there was a great celebration when she went to Heaven, our beautiful Angel is home😇🙏🏻🩷
Great. unselfish lady!
Omgosh ! Mom and I just saw her at the store, we talked about her husband being my softball coach and chatted for a bit. Sweet lady and lovely family! My heart goes out to you.
I’m truly sorry to hear of Joan passing. I just spoke on the phone with her last week. Such a beautiful Soul. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dear Dietrich Family,
We will always remember Joan because we became friends with her at the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball games for several years. She was such a pleasant, friendly lady and it was easy to get to know her. Many times she made cookies for us and also sent us special postal mail. We know that you will all miss her.
As ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura
Loved Joan like a sister since 1971. Truly a wonderful neighbor, wife, mother and friend. Never saw such a hard worker with such a loving personality. I’ll miss her greatly
I will never forget how she made us girls cheeseburgers at the drop of a hat when we would show up at your house at lunchtime Diana. Always giving and always smiling. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, Dale and Diana and the rest of the family. She was obviously someone we all need to aim to be. I’m sure her home in heaven contains a beautiful crown! Thoughts and prayers be with you at this time.
So sorry for your loss!
Frank and I will keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers!
Joan was my bus driver for many years and I recently began seeing her again at my part-time job at Good Sam. Wonderful, kind lady who was always smiling
May the Lord’s peace and grace comfort with the passing of your wonderful Mom to her heavenly home. I well remember her from the many ICU staff breakfasts you hosted. She was always lively & fun amongst all of us nurses. And she was always youthful and energetic. What wonderful memories you have with her. God bless you!
Joan was such a sweetheart of a lady, she will be missed. She was the last of her generation of the Bockhold family of my dad’s first cousins. I’m sorry we will not be able to attend and pay our respects as we are in the upper peninsula of Michigan and won’t be home until the 23rd. You have our deepest sympathy on your loss of Joan.
I was privileged to be a pre-k bus monitor for Payson/Joan for several years. She’s so special I’m not sure where to even start. Everyone who knew her loved her . I am saddened to hear of her passing but know that God made an angel and I’m sure he looked forward to rewarding her and tell her Job well done. Gene & Leo will be happy to see her again. Prayers and sympathies to all who knew and loved her.
I loved having Joan as my bus driver. She let us show her our kittens and she loved us just like adopted family. Even as an adult, every time I saw her she told me how proud she was of me and gave me a big hug. She was the sweetest and her kindness will always be remembered.