Robert E. Dittman, 87, of Gaylord, passed away in his sleep Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He was at home with family.
He was born the son of Ervin and Edna (Bandlow) Dittman, on May 22, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan.
Robert was a kind, generous man and a loving husband and father. Service to God and his country were important aspects of his life, and he also loved to laugh. He was fond of many types of music but especially enjoyed Barbershop harmony and sang bass in local choruses and quartets.
He was raised on a farm near Richmond, MI, and then graduated from Denby High School in Detroit. Robert drove his Ford Model A to California to seek his fortune. His time on the coast was interrupted by a letter from Uncle Sam inviting him to join the Army where he served for 2 years at the end of the Korean War. Afterward, he returned to Michigan where he met and married Rose Marie Chereson, whom he remained married to for over 60 years. He attended MSU for his Bachelor’s, Masters and Specialist Degrees spending most of his career as a School Psychologist in Northern Michigan.
He and Rose raised four children while living in Gaylord. He was very active at Trinity Lutheran Church as an elder and member of the choir. He served for nearly 18 years in the Michigan National Guard at Camp Grayling. He introduced his children to the outdoors and taught them many things including the importance of hard work. After he retired, Robert became a more avid sports fan, cheering on the Spartans football and basketball teams especially.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Eldon Dittman and Shirley (Andrew) Beck, and many beloved pets.
Robert is survived by his wife, Rose Marie (Chereson); children, Robert (Tammy) of Fernley, NV, Karl (Kathy) of Kewadin, MI, Chris of Gaylord, MI, and Kristina of Twin Falls, ID; grandchildren, Andrew, Kevin, Zoe, Sascha; sister-in-law, Ruth Dittman; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1354 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will be Friday, August 13, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will begin at the church on the day of service at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Disabled American Veterans.
To view the streaming service please click the links provided from your smartphone or tablet. (Additional software may be required to play these links from a laptop or desktop computer.)
http://stream.bebloomin.com:1935/live/TrinitySanctuary1.stream/playlist.m3u8 (camera 1)
http://stream.bebloomin.com:1935/live/TrinitySanctuary2.stream/playlist.m3u8 (camera 2)
http://stream.bebloomin.com:1935/live/TrinitySanctuary3.stream/playlist.m3u8 (camera 3)
7 comments on “Robert E. Dittman”
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed all my conversations with Bob over the past years. My condolences to you all.
My dear Uncle Robert was a mentor to me! He never had an unkind word to say about anyone and gave me loving advice to guide me in my life. Through the years he and my Aunt Rose have listened and given me encouragement. I am thankful that this sincere and loving man is now at peace in his eternal home! With much love, your niece, Pamela. XO
My dad loved his nephew Rob Dittman! I loved my cousin Rob Dittman. Everybody loved Rob Dittman.
He was the “best” of good men, respected by all who knew him. Rose told me a couple of weeks ago, they were married 60 years and “still loved each other!” Rob and Rose always saw some humor in everything! Rob and Rose’s four children were so fortunate to have them as parents–every phone conservation I had with Rob and Rose in the last few years always involved a summary update on their kids and grand kids! I was honored to call Rob my cousin and fellow MSU Spartan. Sadly, I will miss our “phone chats” and the special snail mail items he would send to me. Our condolence to Rose and family. Neal and Carol Bandlow, Oneida, New York
When I think of my older cousin Rob, I think of a man, who I thought, had it all. A man who was well educated, a man who had traveled, a man with a great sense of humor and a man who raised an amazing family. To all his family members-immediate and extended, how wonderful to be related to him. To all his friends-what an honor to be called Rob’s friend. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Dan and Linda (Bandlow) McIntyre
I always loved working with Bob. He was an amazing advocate for the youth in our community He was such a kind and compassionate person. My sympathies to his family. Helen Crandall
Condolences to Chris and his family.
Bob and I worked together in the Michigan National Guard at Camp Grayling for over 20 years. He was an assistant to the unit. I’m sure he will be missed by so many.