Dittmer, Elmer 1894-1933

DITTMER, NANNINGA, OTTEMAN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 11/22/2011 at 18:02:39

Hawarden Independent of Sep 14, 1933
IRETON AND VICINITY
News Items Gathered Expressly For The Independent
VICTIM OF TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Elmer Dittmer Met Instant Death Last Thursday Evening
An accident with fatal results tookplace 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 of people overflower 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 businesstrip 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.