Submitted by: Dan Rich

Raymond G. Diltz

Feb. 7, 1923 -- Aug. 4, 2004

South Bend Tribune 8/7/2004

Raymond G. Diltz, 81, of Granger, passed away Wednesday evening, Aug. 4, surrounded by his family at Healthwin Specialized Care Facility, South Bend. He was born Feb. 7, 1923 in Mishawaka, a son of P.C. and Frances (Schmitt) Diltz. Ray grew up in Mishawaka and was a graduate of Mishawaka High School. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II. On Sept. 25, 1943, Ray married the former Monabelle R. Wade and the couple made their home in Mishawaka until moving to Granger in 1975. He was employed for 27 years at Dodge Manufacturing where he was a wood pattern maker. In Ray's earlier years he worked in the family business: Diltz and Sons. While living in Mishawaka he was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and since residing in Granger was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church. Ray was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #360 and also belonged to the Dodge Quarter Century Club. A hobby he enjoyed was woodworking. Ray and Mona enjoyed traveling as they were active campers and members of the Avion Travel Club. They wintered in Sebring, Fla., for many years.

Ray's surviving family includes his wife of 60 years, Mona; three daughters, Linda Sue Baker of Osceola, Sister Judith Diltz, PHJC of Donaldson, and Patricia (Lowell) Paschke of Mishawaka; two brothers, Richard (Helen) Diltz of South Bend, James (Emily) Diltz of Cassopolis; a sister, Carol (Jerome) Bauer of South Bend; five grandchildren, Timothy J. (Sharon) Baker, Thomas P. Baker, Tina R. (Patrick) Whitlock, Jessa Paschke and Jillian Paschke; two great-grandchildren; and his coffee buddies, Jerry Rodino and Rob Diltz. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.