Frances was born in Tacoma to Elmer and Anna Kaufman. The family moved to the Montavilla area of Portland where she attended Ascension Catholic School and St. Mary's Academy. She married George Dietl Jr., April 19, 1935. Together they operated the Dietl Sanitary Meat Market, known as the "Salami Mecca of the World," on North Main Avenue in Gresham. They sent their famous salami to every state in the Union and many foreign countries until the business lost its lease. In 1958, they moved to Northwest Portland, where they owned and managed the Mary Lou apartments on 29th Avenue until retiring in 1981. Her hobbies included ceramics, bingo, and traveling. She was blessed to be able to visit Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Caribbean, and all 50 states. She volunteered with the Portland Swiss American Society, Swiss Ladies group, Young Ladies Institute, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Frances always said, "The secret to a long life is hard work and moderation." She was preceded in death by her husand, George, in 1981; son, Kenneth in 1996; sister, Geraldine Burger in 2003; and brother, Gerald Kaufman in 2008. Frances is survived by her son, Joe (Darlene); daughter-in-law, Nancy; five granddaughters; nine great-grand-children; and numerous nieces and nephews. A recitation of the rosary will be at 11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at noon Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 10955 S.E. 25th Ave., Milwaukie, OR 97222. A reception will follow the service. Private interment will be in Portland Memorial Mausoleum. Remembrances, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or Portland Providence Hospice.

Published in The Oregonian
on January 16, 2011