Dieter Ulrich Peise

Dieter Peise passed away on October 24th at the age of 52, beside the person he most loved: his wife Denise.

Dieter was a person of selfless charity, never a person of selfish concern. He cherished and nurtured his relationships, his many friendships, and was always generous in expressing his love for others and being available to lend a supportive ear and hours of his time assisting whatever the issue was that needed remedying.

Dieter was born on September 18, 1972, in Loerrach, Germany. He began his professional career working at the German Red Cross and went on to work at Novartis Pharmaceuticals through which he met his wife Denise. He was always happy to tell the story that the moment he laid eyes on her at a company event, he knew that he would marry her.  He worked his way up the corporate ladder through a couple of other pharmaceutical and biotech positions before landing at what he deemed his favorite position, Privacy Officer with United Therapeutics in Durham, NC.

He was a gifted, humble, generous human who converted to Buddhism later in life because of the Four Noble Truths. He was an easy conversationalist, moving freely between his native German and English. Whatever the topic and whoever he was speaking with, Dieter was always interested in the people he was with and always made sure they were made to feel comfortable in his presence and in his home.  He was a diplomat always making people around him feel valued and heard.

Dieter was also an accomplished musician, playing the guitar for decades.  Being the humble soul that he was, he would take exception to being called accomplished. But the fact is, Dieter was simply a man of many talents and interests but was never one to take credit, even when credit was due.

While in Germany, Dieter excelled at the sport of table tennis. It was through the sport that he gained community, support and friendships that he valued. He continued playing the sport for some time in the US, but never found a true rhythm since it has never gained the same popularity here in the states.

Dieter loved his family and is survived by his wife, Denise and her daughter's Amanda and Ali whom he nurtured and they cherished as a father figure.  His German family: Uli, Christina, Julian, Ingemar, Carola, Walter, Jan-Erik.  His American family: Gary, Amy, Matt, Hannah, Hudson, Lisa, Keith, Christina, Noah and Pat.

Dieter loved animals, and is also survived by his three dogs, Bella, JoJo and Hattie. 

A celebration of life service was held for Dieter in the Buddhist tradition, in line with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations of remembrance be made to the ASPCA, an organization whose mission he endorsed with this entire spirit.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Peise family.