It is with great sadness that we announce that Dietrich Pütter, born on April 15th 1920 in Bonn, Germany, passed away peacefully during the night of July 9th, 2022, in Königstein, Germany. He is survived by his wife Brigitte, son Juergen, daughter Ulrike and grandsons Erich and Alexander.
Dietrich remained in remarkably good health well past the century mark, but in late March of this year fell and broke his hip. Against all odds he recovered well from the subsequent operation, though it did slow him down and compromised his much-cherished independence.
Dietrich lived an eventful life. As a prisoner of war in the Soviet Union for seven years he endured tremendous physical and mental suffering, but he didn’t let the experience define him. Quite the opposite. Dietrich was an eternal optimist who never complained about a thing. He was also an old school gentleman who was always neatly attired, no matter where he was or what he was doing.
Putting his POW days behind him, in 1951 Dietrich became a pilot at Swiss Air and in 1972 became chief of personnel and licensing for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), headquartered in Montreal, Canada. He spent 45 years in Canada and was proud to be a Canadian citizen. Dietrich leaves behind many friends and admirers in Canada and Germany, both of which he considered home.
Dietrich was a knight of the Johanniter Order. If you wish to make a contribution in his memory, please consider a donation to this organization.
On his website (www.dpuetter.com) you will find details of Dietrich’s seven years as a POW in the Soviet Union, as well as pictures from his youth and recent years. Please consider visiting the Pages of Remembrance at his website and leaving a comment. A celebration of Dietrich’s life is being planned for September; details at www.dpuetter.com.
MEMOIR
Shivering on the Precipice
Life as a Prisoner of War in the Soviet Union
By Dietrich Putter
Translated by Walter Mugdan
Shivering on the Precipice is a startling and compelling memoir about the author’s time as prisoner of war in the Soviet Union from June 1942 until his post-war release in May 1949. Complete with photos from the camps smuggled out in a prisoner’s hollowed wooden leg, this book (available in printed or electronic form) is a testament to both the horrors of war and the strength of the human spirit.
Lieutenant Puetter’s Ju 88
This two-minute, digitized 16mm film clip from 1941 depicts Lieutenant Puetter and his crew, as well as Luftwaffe authorities, examining Lieutenant Puetter’s Ju 88 in a field in what was then the Soviet Union after it had been shot down by the Soviets and safely belly-landed.
WAR PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPHS
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Dear Brigitte, dear Puetter Family,
The Canadian members of the Jonanniter Order express their deep felt condolences to you on the passing of Dietrich.
We shall remember him and include him in our prayers at our investiture this coming weekend.
Withh best wishes in St John
Botho von Bose
Delegate of the Cnadian subcommanderey
Dear Brigitte, dear Puetter Family,
The Canadian members of the Jonanniter Order express their deep felt condolences to you on the passing of Dietrich.
We shall remember him and include him in our prayers at our investiture this coming weekend.
Withh best wishes in St John
Botho von Bose
Delegate of the Canadian subcommandery