Search by Name

Search by Name

Harold Ditzler Obituary

Ditzler, Harold E.
passed away peacefully at age 86, on January 10th, 2013. He was a well-known Civil Engineer, designing many dams, freeways and bridges in the valley, from the mid-sixties through the late eighties. He was the past President of the ACEA, along with being a lifetime member of the ASCE. He was always proud of his service as a young Marine on Iwo Jima, during WWII. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all. His family will always remember him for his love and respect of the outdoors. He was a graduate of the Univ. of Oklahoma and a devoted Sooner football fan. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bette, son Richard, daughter Catherine Franklin, 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and brothers Barry and Bruce Ditzler. Services are open and will be held at Paradise Memorial Gardens on January 16th at 1pm. Contributions can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Semper Fi.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 13, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Ditzler

Not sure what to say?





Aunt Bette, Cathy, Richard and family, I am so sorry for this great loss but I am so thankful for the many wonderful memories he left all of you. My prayers are with you for God's special comfort and peace through the times ahead. My love and sympathies to all of you.

Carolyn Griffin

January 16, 2013

No matter how far I roamed or what differences we had, he always kept me on the right path to become a man and a father myself . For this and the love he gave me I am grateful. Sometimes I will make a comment or put my foot down with my own family. Often they will look at me and say "ok Harold". I am
openly proud. Love, Richard E Ditzler

January 16, 2013

Dear Family - You have my deepest heartfelt condolences. May God be with you to bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time. He promises at Isaiah 61:2, 65:8, to actually do away with death forever; ... will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.

Harrell

January 15, 2013

Dear Cathy,
Sorry for the loss of your father. I'm sure he will greatly missed by you and your family. Gods blessings and comfort to all of you.
Carolyn Welch

January 14, 2013

Dear Cathy and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear dad. Sending our love and prayers to you all. I know you will miss your fishing outings very much! Hope your cherished memories will help you through this difficult time. Many hugs.

Doug and Susan Hill

January 14, 2013

Dear Cathy,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. You have been a great daughter to him and it is wonderful that you were there with him in his last hours. My prayers go out to you and your family. Love, Dottie

Dottie Pratt

January 14, 2013

Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daddy. Thank goodness you have lots and lots of good memories to cherish.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tommie.

Tommie Hannon

January 13, 2013

As a 16 year old little brother my memory of a road trip in December from Oklahoma City to Califorina and back with Harold has always been with me. The 1950 Studebaker made the US 66 route in 12" snow but the Southern return route was better with sun shine. He even let me drive some. What a deal!

Barry Ditzler

January 13, 2013

I have so many fond memories of my Great Uncle Harold. He taught me how to fish and (gasp!) how to clean the fish. I still have the letter and stamps he sent me when I was 9 so I could start a collection just like his. And how he would always pull up the foot rest and fall asleep in his rocker on summer afternoons. He was one of my favorites and will be missed terribly. Sending all my love to Bette and the family. xoxo

Kimberlee Vanek

January 13, 2013

As an old college friend of Cathy (and Bill), I had the pleasure of spending time with her family in Arizona over the years or when they would travel back to Oklahoma for visits. I too will have memories to cherish. I am truly sorry for your loss. He is now at peace.

Carol Walker

January 13, 2013

As an old college friend of Cathy (and Bill), I had the privilege of spending time with her and the family in Arizona over the years or whenever they traveled back to Oklahoma for visits. I too will have shared memories to cherish. I am truly sorry for your loss. He is now at peace.

Carol Walker

January 13, 2013

I will greatly miss you. You were always a favorite uncle. We spent many holidays together and enjoyed special family times. You will always be in my heart. Thank you and God Bless you.

Elaine Vanek

January 13, 2013

Harold was an exceptional man and a great inspiration to me. We shared many good times hunting, fishing, working on his cabin, barbequing great steaks and enjoying a cocktail or two, or three around a campfire, telling a few lies and more than a few good jokes. I was so privileged to know and be close friends with Harold and to be able to marry his daughter Cathy and give him grand children and a great grand child. I will miss him terribly. The fish are biting in Heaven Harold. Semper Fi Harold.

Bill Franklin

January 13, 2013

I know your sorrow at this time, which will ease with time, but never disappear
from your trove of happy memories. Virginia Kahn, Prairie Village, KS

January 13, 2013

I will greatly miss my loving father and my best fishin' buddy ever. Thank you for all of your patience and love and for always being there for me and my family.

January 12, 2013

Harold was a great big brother who always had time to teach and care for his little brother.

Bruce Ditzler

January 12, 2013

Rest in Peace Harold, you left your loved ones with a lot of wonderful memories.

Fred & Jeanie Moreno

January 12, 2013

R.I.P. Harold E. Ditzler. You were many great things in your life. A Marine Corps veteran of the Second World War, a decorated civil engineer, a loving husband for over 65 years, father, grandfather, and most recently, great-grandfather. I'll always remember the many great times we had together. I love you and miss you so much, grandpa, and I'll see you again someday.

Justin Franklin

January 12, 2013

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Harold Ditzler's name

Memorial Events
for Harold Ditzler

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Harold's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Harold Ditzler's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more