Robert Stitzel

MANSFIELD, Ohio – Dr. Robert D. Stitzel, 91, of Mansfield, Ohio, died Saturday, June 29, 2009, in Mansfield, Ohio. He was a dentist in Rockford from 1946 until he retired in 1981.

Robert was born June 16, 1918, in Sterling, the son of Earle and Flora Stitzel of Nelson. He was a graduate of Dixon High School, and a 1942 graduate of the the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Robert served as a naval dentist attached to the Marine Corps during World War II, with service in the Pacific theater. Robert married Betty Graham on July 7, 1942, in Nebraska. He was past president of the Winnebago County Dental Society. Robert was a recipient of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry Loyalty Award, and taught dentistry at the school.

He was the first World War II veteran to command Col. Thomas Lawler Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 342. Robert served on the Council for Dental Affairs for the 9th Naval District and was on the Crusader Clinic Health Foundation Board of Directors. He also was a member of Tebala Temple, Rockford, and Rockford Country Club. Robert was instrumental in organizing Junior Tackle football in Rockford. He was a charter member and past president of Rockford Cosmopolitan Club, and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rockford.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane Stitzel; one daughter, Barbara (Dr. Robert) Struble of Mansfield, Ohio; one son, Robert Stitzel Jr. of Woodland Hills, Calif.; one grandson, Dr. Steve Struble of Raleigh, N.C.; and one granddaughter, Suzy (David) Cole of San Francisco.

Memorial service will be July 10 in Mansfield, Ohio. Arrangements were completed by Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio.