Dittmer, John Frederick 1860-1938

DITTMER, MEHRHOFF, MANTEUFEL, VLOTHO, ONKEN

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/7/2011 at 16:20:54

Hawarden Independent, Hawarden, Sioux, Iowa, USA THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1938

Death Claims Fred Dittmer

John Frederick Dittmer, a resident of this vicinity for 54 .years, passed away in, the Hawarden hospital last Friday, April 8th, from old age and complications caused by a fractured hip which he 'suffered at his home several weeks ago. He was removed to the Hawarden hospital for care and treatment.

Funeral services were held at St. John's Lutheran church in Reading township Sunday afternoon with Rev. H. W. Berner, the pastor, in charge. Burial was made in the Pleasant Hill Lutheran cemetery beside the grave of his wife.

John Frederick Dittmer was born at Guttenberg, Iowa, Oct. 8, 1860, and died at Hawarden April 8, 1938, having attained the age of 77 years and 6 months. He came to Sioux county in 1884, coming with the Vlotho family from Guttenberg and the first year he farmed what was then the Chenhall and Post acreage, southeast of Ireton. On Feb. 3, 1885, he was married to Anna Louisa Mehrhoff of New Rome, Minn. Together they founded their home on what is well known as the Fred Dittmer farm where he lived until he suffered the injury which brought him to the hospital and where death called him. To this union were born three children, all of whom are living. They are Mrs. Fred Manteufel of Sacred Heart, Minn., Louis of Hawarden and Harry of Cherokee. He also leaves four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. John Vlotho of Ireton and Mrs. Gerrit Onken of Madison, S. D. His wife passed away about three years ago. Mr. Dittmer was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Lutheran church, his membership being with St. John's Lutheran church of Reading township.

Mr. Dittmer was well known and took an active part in the political as well as the social life of this part of Sioux county. He was a lover of music and for years was not only a member of the band but also instructor and leader. His leading role as a cornet player was well known but he also played the clarinet and drum. The Ireton band in those days was not only well and favorably known but it was greatly in demand outside of Ireton. Mr. Dittmer was considered one of the wheel horses of the democratic forces here and in the county and was honored by his party time and again. He ran for sheriff on the democratic ticket against Albert Balkema when the latter was elected but it no walkaway.