DEAN H. FITTERLING

June 3, 1928 - Dec. 3, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Dean Henry Fitterling, 80, residing in South Bend, left this world to visit Christ after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 peacefully at Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born June 3, 1928 in Allegan, Michigan, the son of Cecil Henry & Ruth Ann (Lily) Fitterling, and has lived most of his life in South Bend.

He attended John Adams High School, and served in Merchant Marines. He was known as "Dean of Agriculture" for his green thumb. He was an avid fisherman, Cubs and Notre Dame fan, and loved to bowl in his earlier years. He was a loyal patron of Bob's Pub and has many friends there. He retired from the Bendix Corp. following thirty years of service. Dean was a member of American Legion Post #303-River Park. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

On December 20, 1974 in South Bend, he was united in marriage to Mary Suzanne "Sue" McRae who survives. He is also survived by eight daughters, Janet Fitterling and Rosemarie Huffer both of Osceola, Becky Dzialakie-wicz, Mary Tribbey, and Sue Anne Powers all of South Bend, Pat Thomas of California, Suzzanne Barkdull and Marie Dixon both of Mishawaka, a son, John Henry Fitterling of Osceola. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren also survive Dean. A brother, Robert (Jean) Fitterling of Lake Wales, FL survive Dean as well.

His parents, a sister, Margaret and brother Leonard preceded him in death.

Services will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 6, at Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mr. Fitterling may be offered to the family c/o Palmer Funeral Home.