Alfred Robert Ditthardt

Of Arlington Heights

Alfred Robert Ditthardt of Arlington Heights, born in 1935 in Wausau, WI, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, age 86. Beloved husband of 62 years to Mary, nee McIver; fond brother of Arlene (Larry) Van Hook and Ronald (Barbara) Ditthardt. Loving father of Mark (Karen) Ditthardt and Laurie (Peter) Horton. Preceded in death by his parents Alfred Sr and Agnes Ditthardt, and beloved son, Andrew. Proud grandfather of Jamison Ditthardt, Kyle Ditthardt, Jacob Horton and Adele Horton. Dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Al was a proud graduate of Lane Tech High School in Chicago and Northwestern University where he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked at Motorola and Zenith where he held a number of patents, and later at Knowles Electronics. His retirement job was selling AudioScan hearing aid testing equipment, happy to use his expertise to help others. He also loved to do audio engineering at church, melding his love of music, electronics and Christian faith. He was an avid fan of the arts, classical music and architecture (especially Frank Lloyd Wright). His favorite summer pastime was enjoying a concert by the Chicago Symphony on the lawn at Ravinia, with Mary, in his preferred spot on the left near the pavilion. It was a foretaste of heaven for him. In midlife he started singing choral music and enjoyed his years with Chicago Master Singers and Orchard Evangelical Free Church Choir, where he was affectionately known as “Boomer.”

Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, Al taught adult Sunday school for many years, hosted youth groups, was deeply involved in running Lowry Bible Camp and helping start Living Waters Bible Camp. Always passionate about learning new things, and following the news, he loved sharing his knowledge with others, especially young people. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and much beloved by them.

Visitation Saturday September 25, 2021 from 12:00-3:00PM followed by a private service for the family