Submitted by: Dan Rich
South Bend Tribune 3/10/2006
James H. Diltz
James H. Diltz, 76, died Wednesday, March 8, in Hospice House, South Bend, after a brief illness.
Jim retired from Diltz & Sons, LLP, in 1995, where he had been a partner with his brother Richard for more than 45 years. The music and game business was started by his father, P.C. Diltz. In earlier years his brother Raymond also worked in the family business. Jim attended Central Catholic High School, class of 1947. He graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1951, where he received his B.S. in business. From 1951 through 1954, Jim served in the U.S. Army, including an assignment in Salzburg, Austria.
On April 15, 1953, Jim married Emily C. Kronewitter in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, South Bend. Emily survives him. He is also survived by a daughter, Donna (Denny) Oklak of Indianapolis, and two sons, David (Christina) and Douglas (Jennifer), both of Granger. Jim has nine grandchildren, Abbey and Andrew Oklak, Zachary, Adam and Michael Diltz, and Jared, Amanda, Brandon and Andrea Diltz. Also surviving Jim are a brother, Richard (Helen) Diltz of South Bend; a sister, Carol (Jerome) Bauer of Granger, and a sister-in-law, Monabelle Diltz, also of Granger.
His parents, Frances and P.C. Diltz, and a brother, Raymond Diltz, preceded him in death.
Jim was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Cassopolis. He spent many summers living at Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, MI. His love of the lake compelled him to move there year-round in 1973, and he remained at his Highwood home until his death. He had a passion for Indy car racing--especially the Indianapolis 500, which he attended every year with his sons, grandsons and friends. In the 1970s he served as a director of the First National Bank of Mishawaka, and was involved with the St. Joseph County Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Mishawaka Business Association.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, with Rev. Donald Potts officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, and one hour prior to the Mass in church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cass County Medical Care Facility or to Hospice House. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.