Franz Dieter d’Alquen passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 27, 2025, after a brief stay at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colo.
Born on Feb. 19, 1938, in Lippstadt, Germany, to Alex and Gertrud (Schroeder) d’Alquen, Dieter apprenticed in Germany as a baker. He came to the United States when he was twenty-one and worked in the St. Louis area with family members in their bakery. He enlisted in the U. S. Army for two years as a baker and received his U. S. citizenship.
He married Linda Lee Whaley, and they welcomed Franz Dieter d’Alquen, Jr., on May 14, 1965. The family moved to Estes Park, and Dieter opened the Donut Haus on Oct. 25, 1975. His secret recipe ingredient was love.
In his spare time, Dieter loved playing ping pong, the piano, accordion, and bowling. He met Diane V. Perry at the bowling alley in 1985, and they were partners for 40 years before his death. Dieter loved his years at the Donut Haus and loved all of his employees and customers.
Dieter and Diane enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends in Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Dieter was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Heiner and Alex, his son Franz, and nephew Rolf d’Alquen.
He is survived by his brother Karl, sister Ursula Luebke, and six nephews and seven nieces and their families in Germany. He is also survived by Diane and her children, Jeffrey D. Anderson, Carrie M. Belt (Dan Wiedow), and Michael P. Kanies; step-grandson Jacob D’Allesandro; and grandchildren Matthew d’Alquen, Lucas d’Alquen, Max Anderson, Maya Anderson, Tryler (Anna) Belt, Jacob Belt, Noah Pitsch, Summer Kanies (Bailey) Goins, and seven great-grandchildren.
Dieter’s public memorial service will be held June 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Drive, Estes Park, with a reception following. A family graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date.
Dieter was loved and will be missed by many donut lovers in Estes Park, Germany, and around the world.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dieter’s name/honor to local charitable organizations or military veterans’ organizations. Charitable donations can be made c/o Allnutt Funeral Service and mailed to 1302 Graves Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517.
Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave messages for the family.