All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Donald Paul Dietsch

Donald Paul Dietsch, 78, of Buckhannon, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.

He was born in Cleveland, WV, on May 30, 1947, a son of late Paul H. Dietsch and Ruby Eleanor Clark Dietsch Kremmel. In 1967 he married his love, Beverly Basinger. They were together until her passing on July 2, 2023. Along with his parents and wife, Donald was preceded in death by one son, Douglas Paul Vargon.

Forever cherishing their memories of Donald are two children: Janis Dietsch and Thomas Dietsch both of Pittsburgh, PA; four sisters: Barbara Courtney, Jane Wheeler, and Laura Sites all of Buckhannon and Mary Baisden of French Creek; two brothers: William Dietsch and Gary Dietsch; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Nancy Spangler.

Donald graduated from Ambridge High School in 1965 and worked in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. His strength and resilience became the foundation upon which he built his life.

Donald’s love for hunting and fishing was not merely a pastime; it was a mirror reflecting his love for life, nature, and family. But Donald was not just a man of the wild; he was a man of family. He enjoyed cookouts and would regale his guests with stories of his adventures in the wilderness. His laughter, his love for his family, and his captivating stories turned these cookouts into cherished gatherings that will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, 8815 Conroy Windermere Road Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835.

Friends and family will gather for visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon. Following the visitation, Donald’s wishes for cremation will take place.

Clutter Funeral and Cremation is honored and privileged to serve the family of Donald Paul Dietsch. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 5; Some hope for B-U, not so much for WVU

Local sports columnist Duane Carpenter praises Buckhannon-Upshur’s offensive progress and playoff hope, criticizes WVU after a 41-10 loss, and previews Week 5 high school and college matchups while reporting pick standings and winners.

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis, 39, of Rock Cave, a tattoo artist and electrician who loved construction and the outdoors, died September 25, 2025, and is survived by his parents, daughter, siblings and extended family; cremation planned.

Honorary First Responders Day on Saturday to benefit Special Olympics of Upshur County

Honorary First Responders Day on Sept. 27 at Warren District Volunteer Fire Department in Hodgesville will raise funds through food, auctions and activities to support Special Olympics of Upshur County’s growing athlete roster and program costs.

Buckhannon man charged after setting tent on fire with person inside

A Buckhannon man faces multiple felony charges after investigators say he set fire to a tent with a woman inside and threatened to slit her throat.

Trick-or-treat in Buckhannon set for Halloween night, other upcoming events approved

Buckhannon officials set city trick-or-treat for Oct. 31 from 6–7:30 p.m., and the Consolidated Public Works Board approved upcoming events including parades, a suicide prevention walk, recruitment drive, Trunk-or-Treat and holiday festivities.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney

Buckhannon-Upshur athletes Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hamer helped the volleyball team sweep Elkins and Tenney passed for 347 yards and three TDs while rushing for 54 yards.

Wesleyan women suffer bad 3-0 loss to previously winless Glenville State

Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team suffered a 3-0 road loss to previously winless Glenville State as Valentina Quiroz scored twice and Margaux Fernandez added a late goal.

Soccer ‘Cats win second in a row after shutting out Seton Hill, 2-0

West Virginia Wesleyan earned a 2-0 nonconference win over Seton Hill as early first-half goals from Erik Rostoen and Henry Coster and six saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani secured the clean sheet.

Football Bucs embrace bye week to regroup physically and mentally with opportunities awaiting in second half of season

Buckhannon-Upshur is using a week-five bye to heal injuries and reset mentally after a four-game stretch against tough opponents. Coach Sloan Baisden says the break comes at a perfect time as the Bucs prepare for a challenging game with Fairmont Senior and a softer back half.

Feeding the need: Mountaineer Food Bank spotlights local partners, calls for help

A Mountaineer Food Bank representative spoke to the Upshur County Commission about Hunger Action Month, local hunger needs and how volunteers and donations support food distribution across the region.

Upshur County to hold 2025 fall CERT Basic Training course at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Upshur County is offering a free, 20-hour CERT basic training course at West Virginia Wesleyan College starting October 7, covering disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical aid, search and rescue, and a final mock disaster, with registration required by October 3.

St. Joseph’s Hospital doctor praises Rotary’s discounted blood screenings, outlines expanding radiology services

Dr. Victoria Strick thanked the Buckhannon-Upshur Rotary Club for offering discounted blood screenings and highlighted new radiology services at St. Joseph’s Hospital, including a PET/CT and a CT scanner planned for 2026 to expand local diagnostic options.