He was born near Cooperstown, Illinois. After graduating from Kennedy Business College in 1897 and Northern Indiana Law School in 1901, Dieterich was admitted to the bar and began to practice in Rushville, Illinois.[1] During the Spanish–American War, he served as a corporal.
He was city attorney for Rushville, 1903–1907; treasurer of Rushville Union Schools 1906–1908; and county judge of Schuyler County, 1906–1910.[1]
In 1930, he was elected U.S. Representative from one of Illinois' two at-large seats, finishing ahead of both Republicans and the other Democrat.[2] He served only one term.[1]
He served one term, from 1933 to 1939. He did not run for re-election in 1938, instead returning to his law practice. He died in Springfield, Illinois during a business trip.[1]