Roger John Ditmarsen

Roger was born and raised in South Saint Paul MN . He graduated from South Saint Paul High School and went on to study carpentry at Dunwoody Technical Institute in Minneapolis MN and spent 4 years and 6 months in the Navy. He spent over 35 years in construction helping to build and repair many of the local bridges including The Detroit Superior bridge, downtown Cleveland. One of his favorite projects was helping to build the Raging Wolf Bob roller coaster at Geauga Lake. He spent the last 12 years of his working career driving a school bus for Euclid School District.

Roger was actively involved in his local church, teaching toddler Sunday School and then teaching young boys as a Royal Ranger Leader for at least 20 years. Roger was a huge supporter of missions. He taught his daughters the importance of saving, giving, and hard work. Roger could pretty much fix anything and he made sure his daughters had the tools to fix anything. He was active all his life with fitness and exercise even earning a personal trainer certification. Learning and spending time with his family was of utmost importance to him.

Roger took much joy in being a Papa to his three grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He made sure he taught them about classic literature, history, Popeye, camping, and classical music (which included many trips to hear the Cleveland Orchestra), how to be hardworking, and most importantly all about knowing & loving God.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents John Winifred and Violet Lilly Ditmarsen, sisters Rose Black, Faith Boston, and beloved grandson Oliver Barravechia.

Roger is survived by his loving daughters Sandy Ditmarsen and Sara Barravechia (Bob) and grandchildren Beck and Abi.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and caregivers at Brookdale Senior Living Wickliffe and the Hospice staff at CareTenders Hospice. We would especially like to thank his hospice nurse Ca’cy for the joy & love she brought each visit. We sincerely appreciate the whole team’s care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for both Roger and Judy Saturday January 18th at Lakeshore Assembly of God Church 8880 Lakeshore Blvd. Mentor OH 44060. Visitation with the family begins at 10am, service at 11am, & meal following.

The family is requesting attendees to wear red for Judy and green/blue or other bright colors for Roger.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to CareTenders Hospice or Lakeshore Assembly of God Missions Department.