Norman W. Dittmer

Norman Wilferd Dittmer, 80, of rural Linn, was called home to his Heavenly Father, Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Clay County Medical Center. A Celebration of Life was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 2, at Immanuel Lutheran Church west of Linn. Reverend Richard Rikli officiated. Barb Ruhnke played the organ while the congregation sang “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I’m But a Stranger Here”. The pallbearers were nephews, Dean Dittmer, Steve Dittmer, James Dittmer, Shawn Dittmer, Larry Dittmer and Bruce Dittmer. The honorary pallbearers were Norman’s grandchildren, Brigitte, Brandon, Jared, Eric, Hannah, Haley and Holden. Burial was in the church cemetery. Norman was born April 16, 1930 to George and Helena (Wichmann) Dittmer, rural Linn. He was baptized April 20, 1930 and was later confirmed on April 2, 1944 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. His confirmation verse was, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life,” Revelations 2:10b. Norman was a member of the National Guard before entering active duty in the Army where he served at Fort Richardson, Alaska during the Korean War. On September 27, 1964, he was united in marriage to Maydean Damman at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Norman was an area farmer and enjoyed doing dirt work with his Caterpillar, coon hunting, attending farm auctions and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Men’s Club and held several offices within the church. Norman was preceded in death by a son, Keith; parents; and brother, Dale Dittmer. Survivors include his wife Maydean; two daughters, Lori Gerleve and husband Doug of Hanover, KS, Janeen Bruna and friend Wayne Stewart of Washington, KS; one son, Kent Dittmer and wife Angela of Linn, KS; seven grandchildren, Brigitte Bruna, Manhattan, KS, Brandon, Jared and Eric Gerleve, Hanover, KS, Hannah, Haley and Holden Dittmer, Linn, KS; one sister, Arleta Rohe, Clay Center, KS; one brother, Laveryl Dittmer and wife Mavis, Washington, KS; two sister in laws, Marcile Beikmann and husband Delbert, Linn, KS, Leola Grimm and husband Denny, Evansville, IN; one brother in law, Jerald Damman and wife Irma, Clifton, KS. A memorial fund has been established and designated for the Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund. Contributions can be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norman W. Dittmer, please visit our flower store.