Joseph Dittmer

Joe was born September 24, 1924 near Lacona, to John and Anna Dittmer. He married Mary Hoch in 1950 and they were blessed with 11 children. Joe was a hard worker and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren to take pride in their work, and giving them many life lessons as they grew up on the farm. Joe was a member and served on many agricultural organizations including: South Central Coop, FHA, ASCS, NRCS, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Polled Hereford Association, and Farm Bureau. His farm was on the cover of Wallace's Farmer and was named Cattleman of the Year. He loved working with livestock especially Polled Hereford Cattle and also Hampshire Hogs. Joe was outgoing and could talk to anyone; he could argue both sides on an issue just to keep things interesting. He loved watching baseball, westerns, and wrestling with his family and would always have time to watch a game and eat peanuts with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; children: Leon and Joseph; siblings: Robert, Grace Schurman, Lester, and Norbert. Joe is survived by his wife Mary; children: Jake (Kathleen) of Chariton, Sam of Lacona, Tony of Buffalo, NY, Sue of Des Moin...[more]

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Roger (Theresa) of Dallas, TX, Richard (Jo Carroll) of Russell, Sally (John) Kennedy of Carlisle, Greg of Indianola, and Lisa (John Schnathorst) of Urbandale; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and a brother Giles Dittmer of Melcher.