William Litzenberg

William "Bill" Marvin Litzenberg, age 88 of Erie, PA, passed away in the

comfort of his home Monday, Sep 8, 2014. He was born Nov 18, 1925 in Grinnell, IA to Raymond and Gladys Litzenberg. After graduating from Rapid City HS, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. His hunting skills learned as a boy along with his excellent entry scores led him to choose to be a tail gunner for the new B-29 program. In Jan 1945, he and his "Bad Penny" crew were assigned to the 40th Squadron, 6th Bomb Group out of Tinian Island in the Pacific Theater. Bill's crew completed 30 combat missions for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. Strong bonds of friendship and trust remain a hallmark of the 6th Bomb Group as they continue to gather each fall for a reunion - Bill will be attending this year's Baltimore reunion in spirit. He retired in 1987 from Koppers Co after 37 years, the last 7 as manager of the plant in Erie. Bill Claims that his "two dry gin martini a day" regimen extended his life. He was always quick with a smile, had a wonderful laugh and a welcoming hug - he will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Maxine Litzenberg, brother Edward Litzenberg, loving wife Naida (Evans) Litzenberg, daughter Deborah Ronan (Bill), and son-in-law John Myers (Amy).

He is survived by seven daughters: Lori Forsman of Erie PA, Pamela Shedlock (Mark) of Pittsgrove NJ, Mona Schinke (Dale) of Lake City PA, Amy Myers-Weeks (Tim) of Fairview PA, Paula Sorge (Howard) of Crystal MN, Julie Roseto (Rick) of Girard PA, and Sue Litzenberg of St Paul MN; two sons Marc

Litzenberg (JoAnn) of St Paul MN and Ward Litzenberg (Melody) of Stafford VA; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and twin sisters Roberta Grover of Trabuca Canyon CA and Ramona Schindler of Lucerne CA.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W 26th Street (at Powell Avenue) on Saturday 9/13 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 6th Bomb Group Educational Fund (Care of: Larry Dananay, 224 Indian Hill Road, Leechburg, PA 15656) or the Wounded Warrior Project (<http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/>).

To send condolences, please visit www.burtonfuneralhome.com