William Marvin "Bill" Litzenberg

William "Bill" Marvin Litzenberg, age 88, of Erie, PA., passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, September 8, 2014. He was born November 18, 1925, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Raymond and Gladys Litzenberg.

After graduating from Rapid City High School, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. His hunting skills learned as a boy, along with his excellent entry scores, led him to choose to be a tail gunner for the new B-29 program. In January 1945, he and his "Bad Penny" crew were assigned to the 40th Squadron, 6th Bomb Group out of Tinian Island, in the Pacific Theater. Bill's crew completed 30 combat missions, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. Strong bonds of friendship and trust remain a hallmark of the 6th Bomb Group, as they continue to gather each fall for a reunion - Bill will be attending this year's Baltimore reunion in spirit.

He retired in 1987 from Koppers Co after 37 years, the last seven as manager of the plant in Erie. Bill Claims that his "two dry gin martini a day" regimen extended his life. He was always quick with a smile, had a wonderful laugh, and a welcoming hug - he will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Maxine Litzenberg, brother Edward Litzenberg, loving wife Naida (Evans) Litzenberg, daughter Deborah Ronan (Bill), and son-in-law John Myers (Amy).

He is survived by seven daughters: Lori Forsman of Erie, Pa., Pamela Shedlock (Mark) of Pittsgrove N.J., Mona Schinke (Dale) of Lake City, Pa., Amy Myers-Weeks (Tim) of Fairview, Pa., Paula Sorge (Howard) of Crystal, Minn., Julie Roseto (Rick) of Girard, Pa., and Sue Litzenberg of St Paul, Minn.; two sons Marc Litzenberg (JoAnn) of St. Paul, Minn., and Ward Litzenberg (Melody) of Stafford, Va.; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and twin sisters Roberta Grover of Trabuca Canyon, Calif. and Ramona Schindler of Lucerne, Calif.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Avenue), on Saturday, September 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 6th Bomb Group Educational Fund (care of: Larry Dananay, 224 Indian Hill Road, Leechburg, PA 15656) or the Wounded Warrior Project http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/" target="_blank">(http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/).

To send condolences, please visit www.burtonfuneralhome.com.

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