Emil “Dutch” Pittner, age 87 years, of Temperance, MI, died Sunday, August 31, 2008 in Aspen Grove Assisted Living, Lambertville, MI. Born Oct. 16, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Johanna Pittner. He married Marion Carol Webster on Feb. 4, 1942. She preceded him in death.
A US Marine decorated pilot in WWII, he flew 72 missions on the B-25, was awarded 2 distinguished Flying Crosses and 5 Air Medals. He flew as a test pilot in Pax River, Maryland after the war. He retired as a colonel in the US Air Force in 1980 after 30 years of service. He graduated from Penn State University in May of 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for GE on the space program for 20 years, then joined the Army Corp of Engineers as a Safety Engineer and retired in 1985.
He enjoyed tennis, woodworking, model airplanes, motorcycling, volleyball and swimming. Emil is survived by his loving companion of 12 years, Ann McGrath. Children, Daniel Joseph (Irene) Pittner of Merritt Island, FL, Gregory Arthur (Linda) Pittner of San Clemente, CA and Barbara Pittner (Chad) Seizert of Eden Prairie, MN. 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence Webster Pittner.
A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
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