Vincent Michael Deiters, 22 months, left this world too soon on April 2, 2025 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Vincent was the loving son of Kristen and Mike Deiters, adored little brother to big sister, Clare. Dearest grandson to Janet and Ken Janovec and Nancy and Dan Deiters. Beloved nephew of Emily and Jared Bryson, Jessica and Jason Neuman, Brian and Alanna Deiters and playful cousin to Gus, Lilly, and Will Bryson, Kennedy Lindhorst and Melissa and Reagan Neuman. He was loved and prayed for by many.
Vincent was small but mighty from the day he was born. He was monitored closely in prenatal visits for below average growth. After 30 minutes of life, his breathing slowed. The heroic medical team administered CPR and was able to stabilize him. He was quickly admitted to the NICU where he quickly received blood and platelet transfusions. After 6 weeks in the NICU, Vincent came home while still receiving outpatient transfusions and no clear diagnosis.
A few weeks later in August 2023, he was admitted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for further testing. He would continue to live there for the next four months while he underwent a full genetic analysis, which finally confirmed a diagnosis of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), an extremely rare genetic disorder that impacts multiple body symptoms.
After continued blood and platelet transfusions, it was determined that Vincent was in need of a bone marrow transplant, which he underwent at just 6 months of age. The transplant was a success and Vincent was able to come home on December 20, 2023, just in time for his first Christmas. He continued to face medical side effects associated with the transplant, including liver graft versus host disease and type 3c diabetes.
Despite these medical hurdles, Vincent was a happy, energetic toddler who loved to run. He was “all boy” and could play catch with a ball or push his toy cars all day. His full head of curly hair and his beautiful smile left a lasting impression on all hearts that crossed his path.
Mike and Kristen want to thank all our friends and family aka “Vinny’s Village” who helped support us and care for our sweet boy. Especially our parents who have sacrificed so much.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shwachman-Diamond Registry (sdsregistry.org) to support research for a cure to SDS are appreciated.
Visitation at Kutis Funeral Homes, 10151 Gravois Rd, on Tuesday, April 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Wednesday, April 9, depart Kutis Funeral Homes at 9:30 a.m. in route to Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church. Funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment immediately after at Resurrection Cemetery. Reception to follow at Helen Fitzgerald’s at 3650 S Lindbergh Blvd.
I’m so very sorry for this tremendous loss.
You are all in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
There are no words that can take the place of his smile or his love for chasing his ball around or the empty space he will leave behind in the family My prayers are with you to keep you strong and to hold onto your family for help and love God Bless you and your family
Us nurses at the Maternal Fetal Health Center have kept up on Vinny through Grandma Janet’s updates to her friends. We are so terribly sad for you. You took such wonderful care of your beautiful son. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
This little angel endured a lot of pain during his short life, but no child was ever surrounded with so much love. Blessings to Vinny as he enters heaven in Jesus’s loving arms. All my best to Kristen, Mike, Clare and the Janovecs/Deiters families as you carry on without this happy little guy by your side.
Heartfelt condolences to the Janovec/Deters families.. May the memories of your beautiful boy & God’s resurrection promises bring comfort during the difficult times ahead.❤️🙏🏻
I am so sorry for this crushing loss to the family. I add my prayers to those of the many others.
May peace and comfort bestow upon Vinny’s family from our blessed Mother, Mary during this difficult time.
Vinny, you know all the answers now. Send peace to your family.
God bless you Kristen and Mike and Clare, Janet and Ken and all your families.
I’m so sorry. My deepest condolences and prayers over your family.
Love and memories you had, have, and will always have.
From a friend of Janet [aka Cathy Conners sister]
Kristen & Mike,
While the heartache you are experiencing and no doubt the rough days ahead filled with tears, confusion and even anger, please seek comfort knowing you were CHOSEN for Vinny. You were chosen to be his parents, to experience his unconditional love for you all, his laughter, and to walk this journey with him. I pray keeping his memory alive with every birthday, holiday, or memory of your amazingly strong little boy with give you all strength, comfort and healing. My heart and prayers will be with you, your family and his sweet sister. Rest in Peace sweet baby boy and be your parents and sister’s guardian angel.
I can’t come up with words but you have my deepest condolences for this great loss. Stay strong for his loved sister Clare.
Thank you so much, Chris. Nancy
Kristen and Mike. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sad to hear about Vincent. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Jan & Mike,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I’m so heartbroken for your whole family. Sending so many prayers and big hugs your way. Miss and love you both.
We will always remember little Vinny – sweet little boy. Much love from the BMT family.
It was obvious how much love surrounded this sweet little boy. He was so so loved! We are devastated to hear about this.
Psalm 34:18 -The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I am very sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful smile that I am sure will be embedded in the wonderful memories that your heart’s will forever cherish. I will continue to keep your family lifted in prayer.
Nancy, Gwen and I just heard about your grandson. We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven just gained a precious angel.
Thank you so much, Kevin.