Theresa M Ditzler

Theresa M. Ditzler, 82, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Presence St. Anne Center in Rockford after a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. Theresa was born on January 6, 1933, in Rockford, daughter of Theresa (Ginestra) Arbisi and Dominick Arbisi. Graduated from West High School in 1950, attended Rockford College and graduated from Iowa State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition. She completed internship training in dietetics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1955. Theresa worked as a dietician at SwedishAmerican Hospital for 10 years. Married Robert D. Ditzler on May 29, 1965 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Theresa taught sixth grade for 4 ½ years at P.A. Peterson School while completing elementary education courses at NIU. She later returned to the field of dietetics and built a business as a dietetic consultant for several area nursing homes, children’s homes and group homes. Theresa was a charter member of the Rock River Valley Dietetic Association (RRVDA), a 50 year member of the American Dietetic Association and was the 1991 Recognized Member of the Year for the RRVDA. She was a devout member of St. Rita Catholic Church and counted her four grandchildren as the joy of her life. Theresa was the heart of our family and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband, Robert; daughters, Lynette (Patrick) Conner and Cheryl (Derek) Hochstetler; grandchildren Cara and Ian Conner; Kyle and Bethany Hochstetler; brother, Anthony L. (Mary) Arbisi; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents.
Funeral Mass will be Monday, November 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church. Visitation Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 1-3 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and continues on Monday at church from 10 a.m. until time of prayer at 10:45 a.m. A private interment will be held on Tuesday in Oakland Cemetery, Freeport. Memorials may be made to the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.