Michael J. "Mike" Ditrich Sr.

Michael J. "Mike" Ditrich, Sr., age 88, of Erie, an avid fisherman, cast his line for the last time Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Born at his home in McKean on April 26, 1922, Michael was the son of the late Paul and Ludmila Palkovic Ditrich. He attended East High School and served in the U. S. Coast Guard during WWII. Mike loved to fish, especially from the beaches in Florida; he loved to garden and canned everything he grew; he also enjoyed small game hunting. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Putnam Ditrich; four brothers and two sisters. Michael is survived by his son, Michael J. Ditrich, Jr. and his wife Yvonne Jean, of Erie and his daughter, Kathleen G. Rekitt and her husband John, of Albion; two grandchildren, Brian Ditrich and his wife Jennifer, of North East and Brenda Ditrich, of Erie; and three great-grandchildren, Victoria, Tyler, and Morganne. Mike is further survived by his cats, Wanda and Shirls. Friends may call at the Ditrich residence, 4609 Harborgreen Rd., Erie, on Sunday, November 7th from 2 to 4 p.m. Arrangements were handled by the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road . Burial will be private. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.