Dieter Bryson
OBITUARY OF: DIETER K BRYSON
February 6, 1940 – July 2, 2024
Dieter K. Bryson, age 84, of Medora, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in the care of Garden View Care Center in O’Fallon, MO.
Dieter was born and named on February 6, 1940 as Klaus Dieter Engels in Duisburg, Germany to Mother: Ingeborg Sophie Berta (Barbian) Engels and Father: Peter Andress Engels. He and his mother traveled to the United States of America and Dieter received his Certificate of Citizenship in December 1951, where his mother re-married to Cordell G. Bryson and took the name Rose Bryson. In 1958, Dieter petitioned the courts to officially change his name to Dieter K. Bryson.
Dieter attended Normandy High School in 1958 and went to work which became his lifelong career as a truck driver at a local transit company called Reid Bros Trucking from 1959 to 1983, and then he worked for Yellow Freight in 1983, where he retired in 1997, after 38 years as a Teamster-Local 600. He also served as a Shop Stewart to the Union.
Dieter served in the US Army Reserves from February 1961 to November 1966 and was released from active duty with the rank of SSGT, receiving an Honorable Discharge. His area of training included: Single Engine Airplane Mechanic and received honors in Marksman (M-1 Rifle).
Dieter was an NRA Life Member and obtained his IL State Concealed Carry Firearm license. This contributed to his love of firearms, which was also his hobby- everything from handguns, rifles to muzzle loading and reloading ammo.
Dieter volunteered from 1977 – 1982 as a St. Louis County Reserve Police Officer, working alongside his best friend Terry Day.
On April 1, 1983, Dieter & Rose Mary were married. This union brought together his daughter, Deborah Bryson with Rose Mary’s children, Barbara & Gary Phillips. In 2002, Dieter and Rose Mary moved from their home in St. Louis, MO to their residence in Medora, IL. Dieter and Rose Mary were members of the Medora United Methodist Church, in Medora, IL.
Dieter was predeceased by his three younger siblings (in a bombing in Germany -WWII); His father Peter Andress Engels (in Germany), his mother Rose Bryson(Barbian), his step-father Cordell O. Bryson; his grandson Nicholas M. Hollis; and his son-in-law Matthew R. Hollis.
Dieter is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Rose Mary E. Bryson(Baum); his daughter Deborah Suzanne (Bryson) married to Patrick Joseph DeStefano, Jr of Adamsville, TN. Barbara Ann Edler (Phillips/Hollis) married to Steven M. Edler of Wentzville, MO and Gary J. Phillips of University City, MO. Grandchildren: Courtney Lynn Hollis (Justin Joselow); Kyle Robert Hollis; Maria Rose (Gregory) Bearden; Caroline Grace (Jaden) Canales. Great Grandchildren: Theodore Russel Joseph & Elysium Rose Clarise Canales, and Great Grandchild on the way Patricia Josephine (Patty Jo) Bearden.
In lieu of flowers, in honor of Dieter’s fondness to animals, especially kitty cats-please make a memorial contribution the local animal shelter of your choice; or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; or to the American Diabetes Association .