Robert D. Ditzler

Robert D. Ditzler, 93, of Rockford passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at home. Robert was born on December 2, 1922 in Freeport, son of Eugene and Henrietta (Brau) Ditzler. He grew up in Davis, IL. Robert Graduated from Freeport High School in 1942, attended North Central College before serving in World War II from 1943-1945. Robert was a military policeman stationed in France, Germany, Italy and North Africa. After returning from the war, he worked at Camera Craft and Woods Camera Center. He married Virginia Waldecker in 1957. She died in 1958. Robert was a member of the Rockford Amateur Astronomers Club and was an officer in the Lens and Shutter Club. Robert was employed by Burns Security Service as a guard at SwedishAmerican Hospital during the 1960s. He married Theresa M. Arbisi on May 29, 1965 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Robert owned Rockford Commercial Studio in the late 1960s. He worked for the Chrysler Corporation in the early 1970s before having triple bypass heart surgery in 1975 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Following surgery, Robert became an at-home Dad. He had double bypass heart surgery in 1987 at the Mayo Clinic and became a member of the Rockford Ornish Community in 1998. Robert was a devoted member of St. Rita Catholic Church and enjoyed photography, wine-making, creating projects on his printing press and received his Ham radio license in 2007. He was a loving father, grandfather and uncle. Robert is survived by daughters Lynette (Patrick) Conner and Cheryl (Derek) Hochstetler, grandchildren Cara and Ian Conner; Kyle and Bethany Hochstetler, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Theresa on November 11, 2015. Robert’s family would like to thank the Visiting Nurses Association and his caregivers: Kristi M., Katie D., Tammy D., Mary M., Kisha A., Katrina N., Shirley H. and Veta F..
Funeral Mass will be at 11am Monday November 14, 2016 at St. Rita Catholic Church. Visitation from 1pm until 3pm Sunday November 13, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and continues on Monday at church from 10:00 AM until time of prayer at 10:45 AM. A private interment will be held on Monday in Oakland Cemetery, Freeport. Memorials may be made to the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com