Ronald W. Litke

Ronald W. Litke, 63, of Middle Road, Meadville died at home Monday, December 21, 2009.

He was born in Meadville November 26, 1946 a son of Walter and Dorothy Albaugh Litke.  He married Delores E. Soltis August 21, 1971 and she survives.

He was a member of Pipefitter and Steamfitters Local #47 working construction projects throughout the area.  He served in the US Army on active duty from 1968 – 1971 and active reserves from 1971 – 2006 in Military Intelligence and the Army Criminal Investigative Division.

He was a graduate of Meadville High School and Edinboro University with a Bachelors degree in Education.  He was a member of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Roman Catholic Church and the Secular Franciscan Order.

He loved trees, nurturing many seedlings and planting many trees on his land and the land of friends and neighbors.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Dee of 38 years include: two sons, Andrew Litke and his wife Valarie of Beavercreek, OH and Paul Litke and his wife Susie of Kettering, OH; a daughter, Ann C. Litke and her companion Kitra Widup of Elkhart, IN; two grandchildren, Quinlan Tatia Marie Litke and Peter Thomas Litke; his mother, Dorothy Litke of Meadville; four brothers, Larry Litke and his wife Becky of Celina, OH, Tom Litke and his wife Marla of North Olmstead, OH, Gene Litke and his wife Elizabeth of Guys Mills and Philip Litke and his wife Cheryl of New Orleans, LA and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc., 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake with a Parish Vigil service at 3:30 p.m.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 155 S. Ninth Street, Conneaut Lake with Fr. Steve Anderson, celebrant.

Inurnment will be in Queen of the Americas Cemetery columbarium with military honors provided by Harm Jan Huidekoper VFW Post #2006.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a cancer research organization of the donor’s choice.