Steve Dietsch, CEO and president of The Pinnacle Group Insurance Services, which specializes in insurance programs for the car and truck rental and leasing industry, died on July 27.

Born in Two Rivers, Wis., Dietsch attended the University of North Dakota. After college, he came out to California to start his career in the vehicle rental insurance industry in 1982 with John von Arx at Automobile Rental Insurance & Services (ARI&S).

When ARI&S closed in 1985, Dietsch went to work with von Arx at RISE Rental Industry Services. After RISE closed in the mid-2000s, Dietsch went out on his own and later became CEO and president of The Pinnacle Group Insurance Services in 2009.

Bill Tierney, president of W.S. Tierney & Co., an insurance company specializing in the vehicle rental industry, expressed his sadness of losing Dietsch — as well as the passing of von Arx in October 2015.

“The passing of these two pioneers providing insurance markets for vehicle rental operators will leave a void that will be difficult to fill,” said Tierney. “They were two of the most respected and knowledgeable individuals in the industry.”

“Steve was a beautiful guy who made a huge difference for Bandago,” said Sharky Laguana, owner of Bandago, a rental van company, and one of Steve’s rental car customers. “We'll never forget him, and we will always be grateful for the great work he did.”

Dietsch is survived by his wife Janet Dietsch and his three children (Nicholas, Cole, and Connor).

A memorial service was held on Aug. 10 at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Mission Viejo, Calif.