Dittmer, Henry 1867-1958 & Ida Aulwes Family

DITTMER, AULWES, MEIER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/29/2023 at 15:27:31

Dittmer, Henry 1867-1958 & Ida Aulwes Family

This story was taken from page 375 of the Ireton Centennial Book (1882-1982). The story was transcribed for this BIOS by Beth De Leeuw of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society. Some further research notes were added by Wilma J. Vande Berg. Quite often there are discrepancies in family information from one source to another. Information is noted as it was taken from the record that was cited.

Ireton Centennial Book 1882-1982 page 375
Henry was born in Guttenberg, IA. On May 2, 1867 and was raised in that area where he married Ida Aulwes also of Guttenberg on Feb. 11, 1890 at St. John’s Lutheran Church where both were baptized and confirmed. Ida was born on Nov. 19, 1867.

On Mar. 1, 1890, shortly after their marriage, they came to Sioux Co., Ia. And settled on a farm in Center Twp. four and one-half miles northeast of Ireton.

They had four children: Myrtle Dittmer now of LeMars, Elmer Martin Dittmer, deceased, Luella (Mrs. Ed) Heidebrink of Ireton and Orville William Dittmer, deceased.

Active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ireton, Henry served for many years as an elder (and passed the long-handled collection bag called the “Klinkebeetle”) and Ida was president of the Ladies Aid.

Henry also served as a director of the Farmers Coop Association in Ireton.

After the death of his wife, Henry retired to LeMars with his daughter Myrtle, where he later passed away. Both are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ireton.

RESEARCH NOTES: added by Wilma J. Vande Berg Family report on Ancestry.com information submitted by other than this submitter.

Henry J. Dttimer was born 2 May 1867 at Guttenberg, Clayton County, Iowa and died 14 Oct 1958 buried Ireton IA. His parents were Geroge Martin Dittmer 1837-1914 and Caroline Aulwes 1846-1925. On 11 Feb 1890 at Clayton County IA he married Ida C. Aulwes.

Ida C. Aulwes was born 29 Nov 1867 at Guttenberg Clayton County Iowa and died 31 Dec 1944 buried Ireton Iowa. In the 1870 census Eda Aulwes was 2 yrs, born about 1868. Her father was Frederic Aulwes 30 yrs and mother was Helen Aulwes 23 yrs , children were Gustave Aulwes 4, Eda 2, and Bertha 5 mo.
Further research led to her parents, Friedrich W. A ulwes II born 13 May 1840 Cincinnati, Ohio died 19 Jul 1926 Ireton Iowa and Helena Ferdinande Johanne Meier 1846 -1925.

CHILDREN of Henry and Ida Ditmer

1. MYRTLE DITTMER born 26 Sep 1891 died 30 Oct 1993
Myrtle Dittmer, 102, of Hawarden, formerly of Ireton, died Saturday, October 30, 1993, at the Hass Hillcrest Care Center in Hawarden. Funeral services were Tuesday, November 2, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ireton with the Rev. Perry Schefelker officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Ireton. Visitation was Monday, November 1, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Porter-Dow Funeral Home in Ireton.
Miss Dittmer was born on September 26, 1891, on the family farm east of Ireton, the daughter of Henry and Ida (Aulwes) Dittmer. She attended rural school and cared for her parents in their later years. She worked for a short time in LeMars before returning to live in Ireton. She moved to the Hass Hillcrest Care Center in Hawarden on October 1, 1991. She was confirmed in 1906 and was a lifetime member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Survivors include a sister, Luella Heidbrink of Ireton; three nephews, Marin Dittmer of Mesa, AZ; Delmond Dittmer of Phoenix, AZ; and Virgil Heidbrink of Dallas, TX; a niece, Ruth Tallman of Colora, MD; five great-nephews, Thomas H. Dittmer of Lake Forest, IL; James Tallman, Randy Tallman, Terry Tallman and Ricky Tallman; five great-neices, Tressa Dittmer, Sherrie Dittmer, Cheri Ann Opacka, Debra Adams, and Jackie Tallman. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer in 1933 and Orville. Source: Hawarden Independent, November 4, 1993

2. ELMER FRED MARTIN DITTMER born 13 Jul 1894 Sioux County IA died 7 Sep 1933 Struble, Plymouth County Iowa. He married Hannah F. Nanninga 1898-1920, They had one child Marlin Martin Dittmer 1920-1997. Elmer married Amanda Louise Marie Ottemann 1894-1988. One child listed was Delmond Dale Dittmer 1932-2000.
Obituary - Hawarden Independent of Sep 14, 1933 VICTIM OF TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Elmer Dittmer Met Instant Death Last Thursday Evening. An accident with fatal results took place on the gravel road about two miles west of Struble about 9 o'clock last Thursday evening when Elmer Dittmer, who had made a business visit to LeMars, was returning home in his auto, a Model A Ford sedan, when part way up a hill Herman Baack of Craig smashed into him. In the terrible crash the top piece of the door of the Baack car penetrated Dittmer's face above the eye, going downward, severing the jugular vein and breaking his neck. It is thought that death was almost instantaneous. Mr. Shoemaker of Sioux City, a brother of Mrs. A. T. Bergstrom of Ireton, came along a few minutes later and gave assistance, taking both Dittmer and Baaek to the hospital. The former, however, was beyond help. Word was soon sent to parties interested and soon Ireton and the whole Community was in sadness over the terrible accident and since then whenever and wherever to or more met this was the topic of conversation. Not only the great popularity and standing of Elmer Dittmer, but the way his life was snuffed out, brought out the biggest funeral attendance perhaps ever seen, in Ireton. Autos by the score and, hundreds filled with people who came to pay last tribute were present at the funeral services held Sunday afternoon. Floral tributes of beauty and fragrance were so many that it was a task to place them.
An inquest was held last Friday night by Coroner S. B. Luken of LeMars with J. F. Kelliher, J. H. Koerner and Joseph Simon impaneled as jurors. The jury returned a verdict that Elmer Dittmer came to his death in an automobile collision while driving a car and that the driver of the other car, Herman Baack, was guilty of gross negligence and carelessness.
Funeral services were held at the home people overflowed into yards and The members of the American Legion Post, forty in number, followed a full firing squad who were over from Hawarden and who were preceded by the color bearers. The Ladies' Auxiliary followed the Legion. After the services at the home the procession marched to St. Paul's Lutheran church,- two blocks away. Loud speakers had been on the outside of the building. Following the services at the church the procession formed and wended its way to the cemetery where the American Legion gave last honors to the dead and Old Glory for which he was willing to fight and if need be die, showed it colors and waving its last salute, the firing squad doing its last honors. All that remained of husband and father, son and friend to so many was given back to mother earth to sleep in peace while those attending and paying their last respects went back to their places to take part in the scenes which must continue to go on. The parents, widow and two sons, the sisters and other near relatives have the sympathy of all in their loss and if caution and care would come in place of carelessness and recklessness those living might not have passed through another such scene.
Elmer Fred Martin Dittmer, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dittmer, was born July 13, 1894, in Center township, Sioux county, Iowa, and soon after was baptized in St. John's Lutheran church by Rev. Riegel. He attended the country school and after attaining the proper age was taught
the elements of the Christian religion by the Rev. H. Schkenk, pastor of St.Paul's Lutheran church at Ireton. On a business trip to LeMars. On the way home he met with an automobile accident, which brought his earthly life to a sudden close. He was. 39 years, 1 month and 24 days old at the time. He is sincerely mourned by his widow, Mrs. Amanda Dittmer, his two
sons, Marlin, age 13, and Delmond, age 18 months; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dittmer, his sisters, Miss Myrtle and Mrs. Luella Heidbrink; his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ehler
Otteman of Albert City; his brothersin-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Otteman, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Otteman and his sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Sievers, also of Albert City; eleven nieces
and nephews, besides a host of other relatives and friends. The departed was an excellent type
of a Christian man. His deep and sincere Christian convictions governed his every day conduct. He gained the love not only of his immediate family but of everyone who came in contact with him. His help and advice was largely sought and readily given. He held many positions of trust in various business organizations. St. Paul's church also recognized the fine qualities he possessed and, although a comparatively young man, chose him a member of the church board. At the time of his death he was the senior ranking deacon. St. Paul's church was the abject of his consideration day by day and his efforts to promote the interests of the congregation will be missed by all members. As a mark of esteem for its departed officer the congregation caused the church to be draped for thirty days.
The American Legion likewise counted him one of their highly respected members, honored him by choosing him post commander for the year 1925, and accorded him full military honors at his burial. In short the whole community and many more beyond the home borders deeply regret the conclusion of his truly Christian life. May the good Lord reward his faithful servant as promised. Honorary pall bearers at the funeral were Christ Westergard, R. Onken. John Vander Hamm, L. Meyer, H.Ricklefs and Wm. Treiber, all members of the church board.
Out of town people who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Guston Dittmer and Mrs. Rademaker and son Vernon of Guttenberg, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Pete Fissel, Mr. and Mrs. Nat Gerke and sons, Gustav and Verona Viotho and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Heidbrink of LeMars and Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nanninga and Mr. and Mrs. P. Latendresse of Beresford.

3. LUELLA DITTMER born Dec 1899 IA married Ed Heidbrink of Ireton Obituary - Hawarden Indepenent of August 15, 1996 Luella Heidbrink
Luella N. Heidbrink, 96, of Ireton died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 1996 at Laurelwood Nursing Home in Colora, MD. Services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday August 14, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ireton with the Rev. Perry Schefelker officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Ireton. Visitation was Tuesday, August 13, with a prayer service at 8 p.m., at the Porter- Dow Funeral Home in Ireton. Mrs. Heidbrink was born Dec. 11, 1899, in Center Township, near Ireton, the daughter of Henry and Ida (Aulwes) Dittmer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She married Edward Heidbrink Dec. 23, 1924, in Ireton. The couple made their home in Ireton. He died Nov. 19, 1970. Mrs. Heidbrink was a lifetime member of SL Paul's Lutheran church. Survivors include a son, Virgil of Dallas, TX; a daughter, Ruth Tallman of Colora, Md; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat- grandchild. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Orville and a sister, Myrtle Ditimer. Memorials may be made in her name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

4. ORVILLE DITTMER born July 9, 1905 died January 13, 1921 Ireton IA
Obituary - Death of Orville Dittmer
Orville Dittmer, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dittmer, passed away shortly after midnight Sunday morning, following an immediate acute illness of only a week's duration. However, he had been a sufferer for the past two years from diabetes during which time the best of medical advice was sought and nothing was left undone which might serve to eradicate his trouble, but the disease was too deeply rooted in his system to be thrown off and the collapse came just a week before his death. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by the Rev. J. E. Rich. Schmidt, and interment was made in the Ireton cemetery. Orville Dittmer was born on the farm near Ireton July 9, 1904, and passed away Jan. 9, 1921, at the age of 16 years and 6 months. His entire life was spent on the home farm near Ireton. Early in life he was confirmed in the Lutheran church and continued an earnest and devout member throughout his life. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dittmer, he is survived by one brother, Elmer, and two sisters, Myrtle and Luella. The sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved relatives. Source: Hawarden Independent, January 13, 1921: Ireton and Vicinity

OBITUARY OF HENRY DITTMER
Dittmer Rites Held Friday
Ireton, Iowa -- Funeral services for Henry Dittmer, 91, who died October 14 at his home in Le Mars, were held at St. Paul's Lutheran church Friday, Rev. Paul Friedrich officiating. Wilbur Vreeman, accompanied by Mrs. Wilbur Eilers at the organ, sang "Rock of Ages" and "Abide With Me." Casket bearers were Herbert Greenwaldt, Loyal Carnes, Milton Dittmer, Vernon Rademacker, Harold Twillman and Delbert Dittmer. Interment was in Pleasant Hill cemetery with the Satterlee Funeral home in charge.
Mr. Dittmer was born on May 2, 1867 at Guttenberg, Ia., to Martin and Caroline Aulwes Dittmer. He was the eldest of four children. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. In September, 1888 he came to Sioux county with his parents and located on a farm northeast of Ireton. On Feb. 11, 1890, he was married to Miss Ida Aulwes at Guttenberg. They made their home on a farm four miles northeast of Ireton where he had lived for 60 years.
Mr. Dittmer was active in the affairs of the community and for many years he was an elder of St. Paul's Lutheran church. He was a director of the Ireton Farmers Co-operative association and was an assessor of Center township. After the death of his wife on Dec. 31, 1844, he, with his daughter Myrtle, moved to Le Mars in April of 1947.
He is survived by two daughters, Miss Myrtle Dittmer of Le Mars and Mrs. Luella Heidbrink of Ireton; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two brothers, William Dittmer of Ireton and Gus Dittmer of Rock Island, Ill., and one sister, Mrs. Augusta Rademacker of Guttenberg. He was preceded in death by his wife on Dec. 31, 1944, and his sons, Orville, who died Jan. 9, 1921, and Elmer, who was killed in an automobile accident Sept. 7, 1933.
Source: Hawarden Independent, October 23, 1958.

OBITUARY OF IDA DITTMER
Mrs. Henry Dittmer, 77, died at 10:30 at her home on Sunday night, December 31, after several years of ailing health. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Aulwes. Mrs. Dittmer, nee Ida C. Aulwes, was born November 29, 1867, at Guttenberg, Iowa. She was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and followed it to the end, being active in church and aid work. On February 11, 1890, she was united in marriage to Henry Dittmer at Guttenberg. Then they came to Sioux county, where she spent her entire life on their farm northeast of Ireton. To this union four children were born, Elmer and Oliver having preceded her in death. In 1941, they celebrated their golden wedding.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Myrtle and Mrs. Luella Heidbrink, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Amanda Dittmer; one son-in-law, Edward Heidbrink, and five grandchildren. Of the three grandsons, Delmond and Marlin Dittmer are at home and Virgil Heidbrink is now serving in the armed forces. The granddaughters are Evelyn and Ruth, and there is one great grandson, Tommy. She is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. H. Peterman of Napa, Calif., Mrs. A. W. Greenwalt of LeMars, and Mrs. Adren Cannes of Beresford, S.D., and three brothers, G. E. Aulwes of Lennox, S.D., E. J. Aulwes of Gary, S.D., and F. H. Aulwes of Minneapolis, Minn.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 4 at the St. Paul's Lutheran church, with Rev. H. W. Kreiger officiating. Pall bearers were Charles and Oscar Heidbrink, Gerrit Van Whye, Elmer Franke, Albert Holtdorf and Henry Marienau. Shirley Green and Dora Mae Marienau sang Rock of Ages. Source: Hawarden Independent, January 11, 1945.

This picture accompanied the story in the Ireton Centennial book page 375.

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