Charlton "Chuck" Dietz

Chuck was born in Le Mars, IA January 8, 1931. His parents were Clifford and Mildred Dietz, he had a brother, Richard Dietz. They moved to Cannon Falls, and then to Mankato where he graduated from Mankato High School in 1949.

He met Dottie Lange while working on the high school newspaper. She was the editor, he was a reporter. They married in 1952 and had three children, Craig (Doris Larsen), children Rachel Lane (Darin Lane) and Clinton Dietz. Craig passed away April 10, 2025. Robin Dietz-Mayfield (Jack Mayfield), children Megan Mayfield (Mike Alfveby) and Andrew Mayfield. Sue (Dietz) Kakuk (Jay Kakuk), children Alynn Dukart (Jeffrey), and Karl Kakuk (Elly Power), and 6 great grandchildren.

Chuck graduated from Macalester College with a BA in journalism in 1953. He graduated from William Mitchell College of law (now Mitchell Hamline) in 1957. He was hired by 3M to work on the 3M employee magazine, Megaphone, in 1952 while attending Macalester. His initial career goal was to be a sports reporter for the Mankato Free Press. However, while at 3M, a couple of his superiors encouraged Chuck to attend law school at night, while working during the day. With two young children, at the time, it was a struggle, but with the support of Dottie, he was able to graduate. Once he graduated from law school he was immediately hired by 3M, where he began his 40 year career there. In 1975 he became General Counsel and Secretary of 3M, and in soon became Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel. In 1988 he became Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs and continued in that role until retirement in 1993. He also served on the 3M Board of Directors from 1976 to 1993. Chuck was grateful to 3M for his illustrious career. He often said that he never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would meet world and national leaders, Supreme Court Justices, and celebrities (Charlton Heston). But Chuck viewed his philanthropy and community involvement as the most important and inspiring parts of his life.

He was involved in numerous organizations: Children’s Hospitals, Citizens Council on Crime and Justice, Historic St. Paul Indianhead Council (now North Star), Macalester College, Masonic Cancer Center, Minnesota Bicentennial Commission, Minnesota Club, Minnesota Crime Control, Planning Board, Minnesota Masonic Charities, Minnesota Historical Society, Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation, Ramsey County Historical Society, Rotary Club of St. Paul, St. Paul Area YMCA, United Way of St. Paul, United Theological Seminary, Wilder Foundation, William Mitchell College of Law Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society, and many others.

He received: Indianhead Council Spurgeon Award, Silver Beaver Award, Distinguished Community Building, Minnesota State Bar Association, Professional Excellence Award, Ramsey County Bar Association, Distinguished Humanitarian Award, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Millennium Award, William Mitchell College of Law, Horary Doctor of Laws Degree, William Mitchell College of Law, Ronald E. Hachey Outstanding Alumni Award.

He was also a member of Garnet Lodge, #166, White Bear Lake Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, St. Paul Shriners International, Osman Temple, St. Paul, Royal Order of Jester, St. Paul. He was a member of Parkview United Church of Christ

Almost everyone who knew Chuck knew of his love of his “farm” and family. He and Dottie entertained many friends there, his family enjoyed holidays, summers and lazy weekends on the Apple River. Chuck purchased horses (mainly for his daughters) and learned how to build barbed wire fences, trim hooves, and train young colts. It was a stark contrast to his executive life, but provided an important balance. He would often appear at his 3M office with cuts, scrapes, bruises from his weekend activities.

He purchased a 1930s firetruck many years ago. Friends and family enjoyed countless parades, hanging off the truck blaring patriotic music supplied by Craig, throwing candy. He also routinely visited neighboring farms, arriving with the siren blasting just to have a quick chat.

After Dottie passed away, Chuck found friendship and companionship with June Hochbrun. They not only enjoyed traveling the world together but daily company at Waverly Gardens.

He will be sorely missed.

A visitation will take place Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN. Memorial service, Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11:00 am, Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave, White Bear Lake, MN.

Memorials to Northern Star Scouting and Minnesota Masonic Charities