Robert Francis Diederich

DIEDERICH, Robert Francis, age 91, of Rochester Hills, died August 24, 2015, with his family by his side. He was born in Detroit on July 30, 1924, to the late John and Lillian Diederich. In 1951, Robert graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He married Regina Kowalczyk that same year. Robert was an engineer at the General Motors Tech Center, retiring in 1985. He was an avid radio control airplane hobbyist and spent most of his free time at the airfield. His love of airplanes began when he was a pilot during World War II in the US Army Air Force, from which he was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. He loved RV camping, watching freighters on Lake St. Clair, and he was a car enthusiast. In addition to his wife Regina, Robert is survived by six children: Robert (Kate) of Mercer Island, WA; Ronald of Shelby Twp.; Karen (Rick) Meador of Columbus, OH; Kristine (Jeff) Scheuer of Rochester Hills; Richard (Tammela) Diederich of Waterford; and Raymond (Kristina) of Rochester Hills. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 2, from 4-8 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 3, 11 a.m., at St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R. Road, Rochester Hills., with Fr. Stanley Ulman officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Military Honors and private burial will be held at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.pixleyfuneral.com.