Dietrich (Dieter) Eberhard Hartmann, aged 96, passed away peacefully June 20th, 2026 in Puyallup, Washington. 
   Born on August 13, 1929, in Hohen Neuendorf, Germany, he was the son of the late Fritz and Herta (Koch) Hartmann. After being orphaned at the age of 15, Dieter moved to Western Germany to live with his aunt and later dedicated his early adulthood to serving his community as a police officer. 
   In his early 20s, Dietrich met the love of his life, Ruth Elizabeth Wegerhoff. The two were married on April 10, 1953. Seeking new adventures and opportunities, they immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1954. There they welcomed their first three children, Daniela, Anja, and Carey. The family relocated to Auburn, Washington, where their fourth child, Jason, was born. 
   Dieter built a dedicated career at Boeing, retiring in 1994. In retirement, he and Ruth embraced adventure, traveling extensively in their trailer. Lovers of the heat, Dieter and Ruth spent many winters in Desert Hot Springs, California where they made many cherished, longterm friends. With his dry sense of humor and a constant sparkle in his eye, Dieter kept everyone he met either laughing or thoroughly entertained. 
   He was happiest surrounded by his family, especially spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing stories over a cold beer or a Rusty Nail cocktail. A highlight of his final year was meeting his first great-grandchild, Olive Ruth; the two shared an instant connection that brought him immense joy. Dieter's life was defined by resilience, an adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. Dieter was reunited in death with his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruth. He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his children, Daniela Falco, Anja (Larry) Kraemer, Carey (Susan) Hartmann, and Jason (Terra) Hartmann; his grandchildren, Michelle, Kelsy, Christian, Johanna, Courtney, Tommy, and River; and his great-grandchild, Olive. 
   A Funeral Mass will be held in honor of Dietrich on Friday, August 7th, 2026, at 11 am, followed by a reception. The service will take place at St Andrew Catholic Church at 1401 Valley Ave. Sumner, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dieter’s memory to the charity Good Days.