Erwin P. Wenz ’47

Dit died Dec. 23, 2020, in Roseville, Minn. Throughout his 95 years, he played many roles — surgeon, soldier, hunter, fisherman, golfer, world traveler — though he cherished no role more than that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

After graduating from Hawthorne High School in 1943, Dit entered the Navy’s V-12 program and served in World War II. He earned a degree in chemistry and participated in football. During his medical training at Long Island College of Medicine, Dit was honorably discharged from the Navy and enlisted in the Army.

Following his internship, the Korean War erupted and Dit served as a battalion surgeon in the 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star V with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Korean Service Medal with six battle stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Service Medal.

Dit married Lucy Grubl, and following his orthopedics residency, they moved to Fargo, N.D., to raise their family. In 1960 Dit joined Dakota Clinic, where he practiced for 25 years. As a clinical investigator for total hip implantations, Dit performed the first total joint procedure  in North and South Dakota. During his career, he was the team physician for North Dakota State University for 20 years and served on the first Board of Counselors of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Dit is survived by his children, Skip, Wendy, Susan ’82, Russell, and Karen; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lucy.