Robert W. Ditmer

     Robert W. “Dit” Ditmer, 92, of Port Royal, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, at his home in Tuscarora.

     Born Nov. 28, 1929 in Mechanicsburg, he was a son of the late Rev. Robert L. and Maude M. (Adams) Ditmer. His wife of 65 years, K. Diane (Book) Ditmer, whom he married on Dec. 1, 1956, passed away on Feb. 1, 2022.

     He is survived by three children, R. Robin Ditmer and wife, Debbie, of Port Royal, H. Ryan Ditmer of Boalsburg, and Deanne M. Van Bortel and husband, Richard J., of Beaufort, S.C., a nephew whom he raised as a son, Jerry Smith and wife, Cali, of Fort Worth, Texas, three grandchildren, Aaron Van Bortel and wife, Alexis, Devin Van Bortel, and Jesse Smith.

     He was the last of his generation, having been preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Ditmer and one sister, Ruth “Sis” Kleckner.

     He graduated from Tuscarora Valley High School in 1949.

     He worked as a farmhand on the Book Farm from 1945 through 1953. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served from Nov. 16, 1953 to Nov. 15, 1955. He then drove truck for Breyer’s Creamery from 1956 through 1965, for Earl Wagner from 1965 through 1967, and for Roadway Express from 1967 through 1994, when he retired.

     He attended Tuscarora Church of the Brethren and was a member of Turbett Grange #781.

     He enjoyed hunting, the races, traveling, fishing, mowing grass, and going to auctions.

     There will be a graveside memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, at Old Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal, with Pastor Joe Yorks officiating. Interment and committal services for Dit and his wife, Diane, will follow at the cemetery. There will be no viewing. If you wish to be seated for the service, please bring a chair.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tuscarora Church of the Brethren, c/o Karen Beasom, 1324 Town Ridge Road, McAlisterville, PA 17049.

     Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third Street, Mifflintown, PA 17059, has care of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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