Paul Leroy Dieterlen, age 92, of Avon, left this world on May 3, 2025, in Indianapolis, surrounded by his family.

Known for daily rides on his blue recumbent trike with colorful flag, Paul led a long, active life of enthusiasms, learning, and service. From 50 years as a veterinarian, 33 in private practice and 17 in public work, to his development as a self-taught woodcarver to master folk artist, to his love of conversation and travel, Paul was beloved in many circles.

Paul was born in the Great Depression year of 1932, on a farm outside Marysville, Indiana, on May 16. He was the first of the five children of Altus and Nellie (Mahan) Dieterlen, a multi-talented farmer and former schoolteacher from deeply rooted Clark County families.

Paul's education took him from a tiny rural schoolhouse to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University in 1957, where he met the love of his life, Janet Helen White, an education major. They married one week after graduation on June 16, and settled in Nappanee, Indiana, where Paul spent decades as a respected small business owner, community and church leader, and as the trusted caretaker of farm animals and pets through the Nappanee Veterinary Hospital, which he owned, usually in partnership.  In 1991, he began work with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, retiring in 2007 at age 75 as the Director of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Division.

Paul devoted countless hours to professional organizations, serving as president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and as president of the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1985 by Governor Orr for this service and leadership. Paul supported Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine from its early years, mentoring students well into his retirement. He took pride in helping diversify veterinary medicine, both as an employer and as an advisor to Purdue's program. He was also elected twice to the local school board.

Paul embraced new interests throughout his long life, as an inveterate reader of wide-ranging library books and magazines, and a sometime licensed pilot and ski patrol member. He was eager to introduce new people to woodcarving, including at the Avon Community Schools' Outdoor Learning Center and the Hendricks County Senior Center Woodcarving Club. Wherever he went, Paul talked to strangers, sharing stories and making friends. This was showcased in his life as a Methodist, serving the Nappanee United Methodist Church in many capacities, then attending Plainfield United Methodist Church after he and Janet moved to Avon in 2001. Until the last months of his life, he delivered church meals to the homebound.

A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Paul will be much missed by many relatives and friends. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Janet (White) Dieterlen of Avon, Indiana; by his son, Jeffrey (Tonya) Dieterlen of Mooresville, Indiana; by his two daughters, Laurie (David) Cole of Indianapolis, and Susan (Timothy LaBreche) Dieterlen of Chelsea, Michigan; by his two grandsons, Joseph Dieterlen of Avon, Indiana; and Patrick (Alivia) Dieterlen of Avon, Indiana; by his brother Carl (Leona) Dieterlen of Millington, Tennessee; and by his sister Janice (Norman) Segal of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glenn (Wanda) Dieterlen of New Ross, Indiana, and by his sister Freda (Don) Mellema of Park Ridge, Illinois.

A memorial service will be held on June 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Plainfield United Methodist Church, Plainfield, Indiana. The cremated remains of the deceased will be received by the columbarium and memorial garden on the church grounds.

The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Saturday Lunch Ministry at the Plainfield United Methodist Church of Plainfield Indiana. Checks to "Plainfield United Methodist Church" may have "Saturday Lunch Ministry" written on the memo line. For online donations via pumc.org, please select "Other" and enter "Saturday Lunch Ministry" in the "Add a message" line.

Saturday Lunch Ministry at Plainfield United Methodist Church
600 Simmons Street, Plainfield IN 46168
Web: http://pumc.org