Gerald Ditzenberger (1946 – 2011)

Gerald “Gerry” Raymond Ditzenberger Sr., age 65, of East Troy, WI went home to be with our Lord on Saturday August 27, 2011 at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha.He fell to Esophageal Cancer.

Born on February 1, 1946 in Sharon, WI. He was the son of Leslie and Evelyn Ditzenberger. He was the youngest of three boys, Ronald (Donella) and Lauren, and enjoyed to play baseball and basketball while in school. Gerry served under the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War, where he excelled as a Squadron Leader before returning home with a schrapnel injury and was awarded the Purple Heart. He attended Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI and studied Mechanical Design. He was married and had three children Gerry Jr (Erynn), Cindy, and Julie (Marcus). His work history included mechanical drafting, line assembly, and parts sales until he pursued his passion of automotive mechanics by working with Central High School?s bus fleet, car sales and automotive repair for many. Gerry helped out on the dirt track speedways first in the pits as a mechanic before taking his turn behind the wheel and started racing himself. He was an avid NASCAR fan as well as always cheering on the Green Bay Packers during the football season.

Gerry is survived by his children Gerald (Erynn) Ditzenberger Jr., Cindy Ditzenberger, and Julie (Marcus) Kantor; his grandchildren Dustin Ditzenberger, Samantha Ditzenberger, and Jada Moss; and his brother Lauren Ditzenberger. He was predeceased by his father Leslie Ditzenberger, his mother Evelyn Garrison, and his brother Ronald Ditzenberger.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 6pm at Christ Lutheran Church in Paddock Lake, WI (24929-75th St.) with Pastor Eric Silberschmidt officiating. Visitation with the family will take place from 4pm until the time of the service at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.