Don Dietel

Don Dietelfondly known as Mr. D, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Don was the founder of Mr. D’s Food Markets opening his first store in 1973 on Keystone Avenue. He and his wife owned and operated seven stores in Indianapolis, Whiteland, and Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. D always emphasized special customer service and high quality in the products they sold. They developed the motto, “Mr. D’s…determined to please!” They sold the company in 2003 to Marsh. Don always had very fond memories of his employees and customers and considered Mr. D’s employees as family.Don was born on April 23, 1933 in Crown Point, Indiana. His parents were Herman and Gertrude (Enoch) Dietel and they, too, owned a grocery store. Don graduated from Crown Point high school before entering Hanover College where he met the love of his life, Margie Christie. It was at Hanover where he excelled in track serving as track captain his senior year. He loved to run the 400 and lived up to the nickname “Bulldog Flash” given to him in high school. Upon graduation from Hanover, Don answered the draft and joined the U.S. Army. He married Margie before being sent to Germany where he served his two-year tour of duty. Margie joined him there and it was there that their daughter, Diane, was born.When he returned to civilian life, he and Margie settled in Crown Point and he entered the grocery business with his father who owned a store in Crown Point. It was during that time that his two sons were born, Mark and Daniel.Don’s grocery experience included store management in Crown Point and Hobart, Indiana moving to Indianapolis where he supervised the Ayr-Way Food Stores and later became general manager of the Scot Lad stores throughout central and southern Indiana. As successful as he was, Don’s real goal was to own his own store. So in September of 1973, he bought his first store and Mr. D’s Food Markets was born. It was a family operation with all three children working in the store along with Mr. and Mrs. D.The company grew to seven stores and it was during this time that Don served in the Senator Program of Wetterau Wholesale Food Company from 1978-79. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Indiana Retail Grocers Association in 1988-89 and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Indiana State Egg Board. He was recognized for his service as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers from 1998-99.Don accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour in 1999 and was baptized together with his wife that same year. Don was always a loving man but his love was truly expanded after he knew Jesus personally. Don and Margie are devoted members to Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. Retiring in 2003 Don enjoyed his time with his Men’s Bible study group on Tuesdays, fishing buddies on Wednesdays, and volunteering on Thursdays at the Gathering Place.Don was completely devoted to his wife and family spending most of his time with them. He was a devoted IU basketball, Indiana Pacers, and Indianapolis Colts fan. He loved watching sports especially his grandchildren in their various sports activities such as football and track at Center Grove.Don is survived by his loving wife, Margie; their children, Diane (Tim) Thompson of Greenwood, Mark (Mary) Dietel of Bargersville, Daniel (Kathleen Jackson) Dietel of Oregon; ten grandchildren, Erich Jung, Kevin (Gwynne) Dietel, Bryan Dietel, Kyle Thompson, Keith Dietel, Trey Thompson, Josie (Matt) Saylor, David Dietel, Jackson Dietel, and Marina Dietel; and four great grandchildren, Gracie Dietel, Tallulah and Ashford Jung and Jaidyn Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Dietel.Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 4-8PM, and on Wednesday from 10-11 AM, at the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, 381 N. Bluff Road, Greenwood. Pastor Chris Philbeck will officiate a funeral service on Wednesday at 11AM at the church.Memorial contributions are suggested to the following: Shoe Closets, Inc., Boaz Project, or Mt. Pleasant Christian Church.