Robert James Deitrich, 56, of Rock Island, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at Aspenwood Health Care Center, Silvis.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. J.D. Georlett officiating. Burial will take place at the National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, with military honors conducted by Vietnam Veterans Chapter 299, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Robert was born on Dec. 9, 1948, in Davenport, son of Cecil E. and Erma Dettman Deitrich. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was previously married to Paula Jo Winfree.
Robert was a member of Laborer's Local 309, having worked in the construction business for many years. After his retirement, he also worked for M & L Countertops of East Moline, leaving in September because of illness.
Robert, along with his son, Alex, was very involved in the sport of BMX dirt bike racing. He was the assistant track director of the East Moline BMX Speedway and helped build it. He also had served as Illinois commissioner of the National Bicycle League. He enjoyed attending custom-car shows and having fun with his black lab, Jake.
Survivors include his son, Alexander Deitrich, Rock Island; mother, Erma Deitrich, Rock Island; brothers, Douglas Deitrich, Katy, Texas, and Kevin (and wife, Carol) Deitrich, Pearl River, N.Y.; aunt, Viola Schrader, DeWitt, Iowa; uncle, James Deitrich, Keokuk, Iowa; godson, Nicholas Deitrich; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His father, Cecil, preceded him in death.