Mark Dietzler

In Loving Memory of Mark Dietzler

November 16, 1960 – October 27, 2026

Mark Dietzler, a loving husband, father, and accomplished attorney, passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 65, surrounded by his family in his home on Fox Island.

Mark was someone who genuinely cared about people. He had a natural ability to connect with others and made a point of asking how they were doing, whether they were a close friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met. He approached life with curiosity, determination, and a strong sense of fairness, and believed in treating people with kindness and respect.

Mark served four years in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller at RAF Croughton in England before continuing his education. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Morris, his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1991, and a master's degree in Technology and Innovative Management from Pacific Lutheran University in 2001.

Mark was deeply motivated by a desire to help others and believed the law was one of the most meaningful ways he could contribute to a more just world. Throughout his more than 30-year legal career, he built a reputation as a skilled and respected trial attorney, but what set him apart was how much he cared about the people he worked with. After many years representing insurance companies in complex litigation, he joined Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, where he used his experience to advocate for individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances. For Mark, being a good lawyer meant more than just knowing the law. It meant taking the time to listen, understand people's experiences, and make sure they felt heard. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, and was also affiliated with Washington Arbitration and Mediation Service.

Mark and Kathy's love story began in Minnesota, when they met at her nursing school graduation. What started as a chance meeting quickly grew into a love that would last a lifetime. Just three months after they began dating, they were engaged, and on July 30, 1988, they were married. Together, they embarked on their first great adventure, moving from Minnesota to Washington, where they would build a life and family together.

Outside of work, Mark loved spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He was an avid skier, hiker, road biker, and golfer who especially enjoyed exploring the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. To his family, Mark was Clark Griswold. He loved bringing everyone together, planning the next adventure, and making the most of every opportunity to create lasting memories. He was also a natural storyteller who loved sharing stories from his life and adventures, often bringing laughter to those around him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Dietzler; his three children, Everett (43), Natasha (31), and Alexandra Dietzler (28); his Finnish exchange daughter, Leila Raukko (31), her husband, Anssi, and their son, Anton; and his siblings, William Dietzler Jr., Karen Manthei, Pat Baukol, Paul Dietzler, and Terri Ellefson.

Mark will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his genuine interest in others, and the way he made people feel cared for. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the opportunity to know him.

The funeral with military honors and memorial service will be on November 21, 2026, at 11 am at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, WA. There will be a reception following the service.

If you would like to make a gesture in Mark's Honor, please donate to Fred Hutch Cancer Center.