Robert M. Distel

Robert M. Distel, 91, of Tiffin, died at 10:26 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Mercy Health Tiffin Hospital.

Robert was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Tiffin, to Arthur Joseph and Cora (Shultz) Distel.  He married Marilyn A. (Felter) Rohrbach July 9, 1971, in Bowling Green, Ohio and she survives.

They have a combined family of eight children, four sons, Michael P. Distel, Robert  J. Distel, Anthony L. Distel and Charles R. (Jennifer) Rohrbach and four daughters, Allyson M. Distel (Raymond) Leisy, Rebecca A. Rohrbach (Charles) Thomas, Nancy L. Rohrbach (David) Lucius and Jennifer A. Distel (Maurice) Risser; 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren and  several great-great grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings, Agnes Zeiger, Jim (Hannah) Distel, and John (Janice) Distel, and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Distel.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Henrietta Smyser, Howard Distel, Eugene Distel, Arthur C. Distel, Sister Joan of Arc Distel, Dorothy Dickson, Harvey Distel, Richard C. Distel and Sister Saint Martin Distel.

Robert served in the United States Army during WWII from April 29, 1943 to December 4, 1945. He served in Africa and the European Theatre.  He retired as a machinist after 37 ½ years at National Machinery where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club.   He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  He volunteered at St. Mary Church, Allen Eiry and the Commission on Aging.  He enjoyed being outside working on his lawn and flowers. He also enjoyed traveling by car to all 48 continental states with Marilyn.

Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 -10:45 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2016, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, 419-447-3113.

The funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Tiffin with Rev. Gary Walters officiating.  The Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to Mass at the church.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the grave by the United Veteran’s Council of Seneca County.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, Tiffin or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.