Robert Dilger Obituary

Robert J. Dilger

Dec 25, 1947 - Jul 20, 2024

Norwalk

Robert J. "Bob" Dilger, 76, of Norwalk, passed away Saturday morning, July 20, 2024, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 25, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to George and Lilian Dilger. Bob graduated from St. Paul High School in 1965. He served in U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Bob was referred to as an icon and a legend in the construction industry by his co-workers with 55 years of experience. Known as Bobby D at work, he started his career with Ronnie Rospert before working for Hug, Inc. and then Oglesby Construction. Bob spent the last 24 years working for Smith Paving, most recently as a project manager. He loved his work and the people he worked with.

Bob was an avid Indians fan, volunteered at Norwalk Area Contractors Park maintaining the grounds, enjoyed travel to their Naples home with his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed years of Flyers sports with his children and loved all the wrestling memories of travel to tournaments and state with the wrestling families and fans. Bob was always up for a good game of cards and was a great euchre partner. During his younger years, he played softball with friends for the Huffers and Puffers and he looked forward to his annual shift each St. Patrick's Day with the Schaffers at the Shamrock when it was still in Norwalk. Fondly called Papa by his 10 grandchildren, he was a proud grandpa and loved following their sports and activities.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy (Wechter) Dilger; daughters, Tonia (Joe) Maxwell and Julie (Don) Didion; sons, Derek (Kim) Dilger and Rob Dilger; 10 grandchildren, Tyler (Nicole) Dilger, Grant Dilger, Donny Didion, Colten Didion, Kurt Maxwell, Meredith Dilger, Kamryn Maxwell, Kaden Maxwell, Kole Maxwell, and Aubrey Dilger; father, Leo Smith; sisters, Patty (Jack) O'Neil, Jeanette Mack, Camilla George, Catherine Schriner, and Carolyn Dilger; and brothers, David (Marla) Smith, Joe Smith, Greg (Amy) Smith, Thomas Durliat, and Chuck Dilger.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Smith; birth parents, George and Lilian Dilger; and brothers, Bill Dilger and Jim Dilger.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A luncheon will follow in the Gathering Space. Private burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Norwalk Area Friends of Youth Sports, 20 Baneberry Lane, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.