IHSA - Illinois High School Association
02/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 13:06
Hall of Fame Official Dick Deitz Passes Away
One of the most decorated officials in state history, Richard 'Dick' Deitz, passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 86.
Deitz is one of seven officials from Illinois (and 29 total individuals), to be inducted into the NFHS Hall of Fame, which is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a high school sports official. He was inducted in 1996 at a ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Deitz first licensed as an IHSA official in 1958 at the age of 19 and went on to officiate five different sports in his career, including baseball, basketball, football, softball, and track & field.
He officiated for 64 years in baseball, basketball, and football, as well as 40 years in softball. Deitz's passion for mentoring fellow officials manifested in his role serving the IHSA as a clinician in baseball, basketball, and football. He was assigned to work the IHSA state finals four times in boys basketball (1972-AA, 1973-AA, 1974-AA, 1996-AA) and was on the court for the state championship games in 1974 and 1996. His football crews were assigned to six state championship games (1974-3A, 1975-3A, 1980-6A, 1993-6A, 1994-1A, 1995-4A) as well, and he also worked the IHSA football state title games for many years as the Coordinator of Officials.
In addition to supporting education-based athletics as an official, Deitz served his community through civic leadership. A native of McLeansboro, Illinois, Deitz was a city alderman there for five years and then was elected Mayor, an office he held from 1993 until his retirement from the post in 2021.
"Dick was one of the nicest and most genuine human beings I have ever met," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. "Few individuals could match his passion for officiating; he truly loved the whole experience. Not only the games and making the calls, but the interactions with coaches and student-athletes, and the ability to teach others while making a positive impact. He was a salt of the earth type person that I was lucky to call a friend. His impact on the IHSA will never be forgotten, and my condolences are with his family, friends, and the countless other people he positively impacted during his life."
Service information and an obituary will be posted here once available.
The accompanying picture features Deitz with IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson during recognition of his 50 years of service as an IHSA official.
Deitz is one of seven officials from Illinois (and 29 total individuals), to be inducted into the NFHS Hall of Fame, which is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a high school sports official. He was inducted in 1996 at a ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Deitz first licensed as an IHSA official in 1958 at the age of 19 and went on to officiate five different sports in his career, including baseball, basketball, football, softball, and track & field.
He officiated for 64 years in baseball, basketball, and football, as well as 40 years in softball. Deitz's passion for mentoring fellow officials manifested in his role serving the IHSA as a clinician in baseball, basketball, and football. He was assigned to work the IHSA state finals four times in boys basketball (1972-AA, 1973-AA, 1974-AA, 1996-AA) and was on the court for the state championship games in 1974 and 1996. His football crews were assigned to six state championship games (1974-3A, 1975-3A, 1980-6A, 1993-6A, 1994-1A, 1995-4A) as well, and he also worked the IHSA football state title games for many years as the Coordinator of Officials.
In addition to supporting education-based athletics as an official, Deitz served his community through civic leadership. A native of McLeansboro, Illinois, Deitz was a city alderman there for five years and then was elected Mayor, an office he held from 1993 until his retirement from the post in 2021.
"Dick was one of the nicest and most genuine human beings I have ever met," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. "Few individuals could match his passion for officiating; he truly loved the whole experience. Not only the games and making the calls, but the interactions with coaches and student-athletes, and the ability to teach others while making a positive impact. He was a salt of the earth type person that I was lucky to call a friend. His impact on the IHSA will never be forgotten, and my condolences are with his family, friends, and the countless other people he positively impacted during his life."
Service information and an obituary will be posted here once available.
The accompanying picture features Deitz with IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson during recognition of his 50 years of service as an IHSA official.
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