March 24, 1932 – June 24, 2023
August Heinrich Ditzinger, 91, of Naples, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 24, 2023. He was born March 24, 1932 in Munich, Germany to the late August and Regina (Regier) Ditzinger.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margrit (Von Allmen) Ditzinger whom he met in Zurich, Switzerland. They were married in Chicago, IL in 1957 and raised their two daughters in Lombard, IL.
August served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. He then worked for many years as a chef at the iconic Berghoff’s Restaurant in Chicago. In 1971, he opened the Barn of Barrington in Barrington, IL where he provided excellent food and an eclectic environment for thousands of diners, wedding attendees, and celebrants who grew to love “The Barn”.
In the 80s, August won a contest sponsored by Gourmet Magazine for his dessert, Flaming Kiwi August. The top prize was a trip to New Zealand and Tahiti, which allowed him to see the landscapes that influenced the work of one of his favorite artists, Paul Gauguin. Travel was an important part of August’s life, as was fishing. He combined the two during numerous trips to Alaska, Central and South America. As an avid fan of auto racing, he traveled annually to attend the Indianapolis 500.
Shortly after their retirement, August and Margrit moved to Naples, FL where he spent the last 15 years in the sunshine that he loved so much. He made many good friends in Verona Walk and at the pool, where he could be found most mornings.
August is survived by Margrit, his two daughters, Michelle (Marty) O’Connor, and Regina (Jack) Butler and his son, Wilhelm (Cheryl) Kern; grandchildren Colin O’Connor, Aidan O’Connor, Teagan O’Connor, Jessica Butler, Audrey Butler, Billy Butler, Noah Butler, and Kelly Kern. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM with a service beginning at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Naples Funeral Home (3107 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), at: www.albinism.org.
Bonnie Jaswith
August 29, 2023, 8:35 am
I remember so many fantastic New Year’s Eve dinners and Easter brunches at the Barn.
Margrite, so much fun with you two and Anneliese and Bill.
May your memories help you with your sorrow.
Bonnie Jaswith
Nate & Erica Flad
August 29, 2023, 8:35 am
Heartfelt condolences
Will, Cheri & Kelly Kern
August 29, 2023, 8:35 am
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
The Brakrog Family
August 29, 2023, 8:36 am
Thinking of you all and sending our love during this difficult time.
Cathy Excell and Walter Tucker
August 29, 2023, 8:36 am
Rest in peace my dear friend. I cherish the memories of working together at the Barn and waterskiing on the Chain of Lakes. love you and miss you
Christopher Franzen
September 24, 2024, 8:28 pm
Dear Family, dear Margrit, dear Michelle and Regina
I hope this message finds you all well! I just read about the passing of August Ditzinger last year and I wish to send you my sincere condolences. I hope you are keeping August in good memory and would very much enjoy hearing from all your family members who remember your Swiss neighbor from Butterfield, Ill. in the late 60’s. It would be a great twist of fate if we could reconnect to keep the past alive in our memories.
Kindest regards
Chris