Harold R. Deitzler, 94, of Lebanon, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022. He was a kind and loving husband, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He was born in Lebanon on April 18, 1927, to the late Robert and Irene (Benninghoff) Deitzler.
Harold was a graduate of Lebanon High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and received the Victory Medal and American Theater Ribbon. He retired from the Lebanon Steel Foundry after 40 years of service. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church since 1948 where he sang in the men’s choir and lead the Youth Group for several years. He belonged to the Annville American Legion for over 70 years and was one of the original planners of the Friendship Fire Company.
He will always be remembered for his sweet smile, sparkling blue eyes, deep compassion for others, love of music, and fondness for telling jokes and doing silly things to make his grandchildren smile. Harold enjoyed playing golf, singing in a Barbershop quartet, dancing, playing cards with friends, and keeping his home and yard in tip-top shape.
He is survived by his daughters, Diane (Mark) Dittenhafer of Midland, MI, and Carol Eder of Lebanon; grandchildren Kristin (Jeff) Dittenhafer Reed of Holland, MI. and Allison, Craig, and Steven Eder all of Lebanon; great-grandchildren Emily and Landon Reed and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Anna Deitzler, grandson Eric Dittenhafer, his brothers Robert and Carl, and sisters Marie and Mae.
A celebration of a life well-lived will be held on Friday, April 8 at 10:30 AM at Kreamer Funeral Home, 618 E. Main Street, Annville. Interment will follow at Covenant/Greenwood “Ebenezer” Cemetery, Lebanon. There will be a time of visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those wishing to livestream the services, please visit www.kreamerfuneralhome.com, click LIVE STREAM on Friday morning at 10:30 AM, and click the Annville location.
He fervently lived by and will be remembered by his life philosophy – “Always be kind to other people and treat them with respect. Do more than you are asked to do and keep a smile on your face.”
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 119 N 8th St. Lebanon, PA.