Robert Dietz Obituary, Robert Dietz Has Passed Away

Robert Dietz Obituary, Death – Great essay about Robert, a remarkable family man and entrepreneur. He will be missed by our community. I appreciate our little talk Monday night. Small because, as the report states, he was busy that night. His family needs all prayers now. Hampton Restaurant Owner Dies in Hwy 3 Crash
At 1:35pm on October 11, 54-year-old Wholly Smoke BBQ proprietor Rob Dietz died in a Highway 3 collision west of Hampton. The Iowa State Highway Patrol said that Dietz’s 2003 GMC crossed the center line and hit the front axle of a 2022 Freightliner driven by 53-year-old Eldora resident Andrew Stansbury while westbound on Hwy 3 at Lark Avenue. A 9-mph ESE wind was noted.

Woodley Funeral Home removed Dietz, who died instantly, from the scene. Medical attention was unnecessary for Stansbury. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the crash. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton PD, Hampton FD, Franklin General EMS, E & E REPAIR, Mason’s Auto, and Woodley Funeral Home assisted. Dietz told the Chronicle at the Franklin County Fair on July 12, 2023, that he started Wholly Smoke in 2007, when RAGBRAI overnighted in Hampton. “That’s the first year I became Wholly Smoke, got legal and all that fun stuff.” Dietz stated he lived in Dows “on the Franklin County side,” but relocated to Hampton five years earlier.

During the Franklin County Fair in July, Dietz, his wife, three children, middle son’s girlfriend, and her sister and daughter served over a ton of the food truck’s signature ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches. The family attended the 2023 Franklin County Fair for the 8th time. Dietz and crew served crowds at the Hampton Car Show, Cardy Classic, Butler County Fair, Waterloo Cattle Congress, Munchie Monday in Sheffield, Rockwell baseball fields, Relay for Life, Tuesday on the town, and other events this year. Long lines and raving fans followed them everywhere.

Last year, Dietz and family started serving Wholly Smoke BBQ in Dollar Fresh’s parking lot, which went so well they planned to return after the event season and set up again. They did, reopening this past Monday with BBQ and BBQ bowls. Dietz was quick with a smile and went about his BBQ business with determination, moving quickly and aggressively, shuffling meat on and off the grill. Even through the smoke that surrounded him, his dedication was clear.

ncG1vNJzZmihnqG8t7XNoKSepZ%2Bntqa%2FzZ6urGaTpLpwvs6bnKusXZm2psDZZqaboaSqrrPFjKumm52iqXqltcStsWagkah6sa3SrJydZZGsrrp7