Obituary of Raymond Dieser

Raymond Dieser was born on December 13, 1935, to Henry and Katherine (Shulmeister) Dieser, both born in Russia. He grew up south of Macklin, down Cosine Road, and attended school in the area, where he met the love of his life, Mary B. Hollman. The two began courting and later built a wonderful life together. Having both grown up on nearby farms, they shared a deep appreciation for hard work and rural life. Even as a young man, Raymond’s passion for machinery was evident—he owned a team of horses and a threshing machine, which sparked his lifelong love of mechanics and farming.

In 1954, Ray began his career as an apprentice mechanic at Fisher’s Garage in Macklin. He went on to earn his Red Seal certification in Diesel and Auto Mechanics from Kelsey College on February 20, 1958. Ray and Mary were married on June 30, 1958, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Macklin.

The following year, in 1959, Ray purchased the Texaco gas station, renaming it Smile Service Station. His hard work, integrity, and friendly nature made the business a success, and soon he expanded to a larger property—where Dieser’s Garage still stands today. Around this time, he also became a Versatile equipment dealer. When the original wooden shop burned down in 1977, Ray rebuilt it the following year, expanding his operation to include welding services for farmers and the oilfield, adding several employees and welding trucks along the way.

Ray was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud and active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Macklin Fire Department, the Wildlife Association, Kinsmen, the School Board, the Saskatchewan Housing Association, and the Macklin Flying Club, where he helped build the local airport that still serves the community today.

In his spare time, Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. In 1975, he achieved a memorable milestone by harvesting a record-typical whitetail deer. He also loved attending polkas, playing cards, and, above all, making time for his family.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Raymond passed away peacefully at the age of 89. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary, his children, Goretta (Sheldon) Cameron and Eleo, his grandchildren Sandy Dieser (Nektaria), Katherine (Damien), Andrew (Madison), and Destiny, and his great-grandchildren Joseph (Haylee), Alexander, Leo, and Elijah. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Katherine Dieser, brothers Joseph and Paul Dieser, sister-in-law Anita, and brother-in-law Stanley Hollman.

May he rest in peace.

Raymond’s legacy lives on through his grandson Sandy Dieser, who continues to operate the family shop, sharing Ray’s passion for mechanics and passing it down to his sons, Joseph and Alexander.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Macklin, Saskatchewan. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

If travelling from Alberta, please allow for a one-hour time change.

Gregory's Funeral Home Inc.

www.gregorysfuneralhomes.com