John Phillip Deitsch, 79, of Rockford, died at 3:05 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009, at Van Wert County Hospital.

He was born March 4, 1930, in Montezuma to William and Rachel Runkel Deitsch. On Nov. 27, 1958, he married Rosemary T. Fowler, who survives.

Other survivors are three sons, Aaron Deitsch, Rockford, Scott (Gaylene) Deitsch and Greg (Renee) Deitsch, all of Celina; two brothers, Forest "Gene" (Clara) Deitsch, West Bend, Wisc., and Carl (Dolores) Deitsch, Celina; and five grandchildren.

Deceased are four brothers, Dale, Loyde, Gerald and Ralph; and seven sisters, Mabel Denny, Iva Mong, Velva Goubeau, Ruth Young, Dorothy Larie, Mary Colson and Mildred Goodwin.

He worked at Modern Paints in Wapakoneta for many years. He and his family moved to Rockford, where he was employed by Ketcham's Furniture and Floor Coverings as a floor mechanic. He also worked for over 47 years at the Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in many aspects of funeral service. He was a member of the American Legion, Rockford, and the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was one of the first squad members of the Rockford EMS and was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Richard Reidel officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, where graveside military services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to service Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the Rockford Squad of the Mercer County EMS.

Condolences can be sent at ketchamripleyfh@embarqmail.com