Dieter was born in 1945 and immigrated to South Africa from Germany as a child with his parents, brother Reinhardt and sister Gabi in 1953. His family eventually grew to include his sister Claudia and brother Diether.
He attended an Afrikaans school in Johannesburg, where he was thrown into the deep end of a new school, new life and a totally unknown language. After school he entered the entertainment industry as a waiter and later as an assistant chef on the Blue Train. He later completed a trade with Iscor.
Dieter met and married his wife Elize and had two sons, Claus and Udo. After moving down to Durban, Dieter started a business doing rust-proofing and later sold bitumen paint. He then moved the business to Illovo Beach. He was there a while before Claus and Yvette took over from him. They then moved the shop to Mason Road.
Dieter decided to start a small restaurant in Illovo Beach and together with his son Udo, his passion for cooking was re-ignited. After Udo died, Dieter sold the restaurant. Some time later Dieter and Elize started Dieter’s Gasthaus and this was his life, energy and passion. Gasthaus became a renowned restaurant, famous for its German traditional foods. After Elize died, Dieter married Margret. A third son Kurt was born. Unfortunately Dieter was to suffer more sorrow at the death of Margret.
Dieter decided to sell his restaurant and open the Illovo Country Club, wanting some change in his life and goals. After he sold the country club, he opened up the Lincoln Steakhouse, which was his last restaurant. Many gatherings, social events and even family birthdays were celebrated there. Dieter was well known for his generosity to the local pensioners and community.
Dieter was always proud of his family and spoke freely of the Etzels’ achievements. He was excited at Kurt doing his matric this year. His grandsons Fritz, Karl and Hein were also the light of his life. Fritz was always sorting out his grandfather’s vehicle for him and Dieter loved popping into the panel shop, wanting to know what was happening.
Dieter was a much loved and well known person in the local community. He served the community in many ways that many people were not even aware of, but most of all, the community will always remember him for his generosity to the elderly.
Dieter is survived by Kurt, Claus, Yvette, Fritz, Karl and Hein Etzel.
