Robert E. Smidutz, 85, of Tiffin, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 1, 2011 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg.

On June 29, 1925 in Oak Harbor, OH he was born to Edward and Marion (Guntch) Smidutz. He married Rita Shultz on October 3, 1949.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Rita of Tiffin; daughter, Dawn Howard of Findlay; sons, Gary (Carol) Smidutz of Bascom; Bruce (Susan) Smidutz of Bradford, OH; brother, William (Joan) Smidutz of Westminster, VT; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer, Andrea, Charity, Timothy, Courtney, Steven, Corey, and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Don and John Smidutz and sister, Corine Foster and an infant sister.

Robert graduated from Oak Harbor High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 aboard the submarine USS Seapoacher, USS Drum and the USS Sawfish in the Pacific. He was discharged in 1946. He was a member of the AMVETS Post 48 and enjoyed fishing, especially for Perch, hunting, cooking, and an avid Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football fan. Robert worked as a store manager for the Jim Brown Store in downtown Tiffin, National Machinery, Sterling Abrasive, Tiffin Art Metal. Hayes Albion and retired from Seneca Sheet Metal.

There will be no visitation or services at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice Care, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences and words of inspiration may be left at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.