Armand E. “Arnie” Ditman, 85, of Rockford, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, August 25, 2019 at Swedish American Hospital. Arnie was born December 9, 1933 in Roberts, IL, the son of Everett J. and Jessie (Reotzel) Ditman. He graduated from high school and went on to serve in the United States Army. Arnie married the love of his life, Dorlyn “Dee” Molck on August 7, 1952 in Onarga, IL. He was employed by Rockford Products and retired from Elco in July of 1992 as a header operator. Arnie enjoyed working with his hands, whether that was woodworking or working on cars, he was a jack of all trades. He liked camping, and snowmobiling in his younger years. Arnie and Dee loved traveling to the south, especially to Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. He was known as a jokester and had a saying for everything. Arnie always had a smirk on his face and was always winking at everyone. He was the patriarch of our family and he will truly be missed.
Arnie is loved and missed by his wife of 67 years, Dee; children, Cyndie Seckinger, Gene (Tammy) Ditman, and Doug (Tracy) Ditman; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Darrell (Becky) Ditman, and Agnes Gould; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Jean Smith and Roger Herold.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a visitation to be held from 1:00 p.m., until the time of service. Pastor Steven A. Doyle of Calvary Christian Church will be officiating. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the family.
