Dittmer, Leroy 1915-1931

DITTMER, RENKEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Dittmer, Leroy born 17 Apr 1915 died 9 Apr 1931 buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery Ireton IA

Hawarden Independent of April 16, 1931
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Death of LeRoy Dittmer The whole community was saddened at the death of LeRoy Dittmer, who passed away last Thursday morning at the LeMars hospital. He made a gallant fight for life hut death would not be denied. He was a likeable lad, those knowing him best loved him most. Bereft of his mother when only five years old, fond grandparents and a father tried to fill the void. Earnest and desirous of better things he was building character and storing knowledge only to be taken when youth was ready to unfold into young manhood. The pride of his father, obedient and a willing helper, he will be sorely missed. His young associates will long remember him because of his thoughtfulness of others and unselfish ways. Words are insufficient in times like this to express the feeling of those who feel his sudden going, and parents, grandparents and other relatives have the sympathy of all.

LeRoy Richard Dittmer, son of Lou Dittmer and his late wife, Mary Renken Dittmer, was born near Ireton April 17, 1916, and In his infancy by holy baptism was received into the covenant of God. Eleven years ago he lost his mother whereupon he and his little sister were taken charge of by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dittmer, until his father re-married. From that time on his father took him again into his home. From the fall of 1929 to the spring of 1930 he was privately instructed in the chief doctrines of the Christian religion and having acquired by diligent study the necessary knowledge of the soul saving truth, he was confirmed on the 13th of April in the Lutheran faith, pledging loyalty to his God and Savior. He was a quiet pious boy, a dutiful son and a kind brother. He attended divine services and Sunday school diligently and faithfully attended to his duties at home, helping his father on the farm.

About four weeks ago he was afflicted with ear trouble, which gradually developed into double mastoid and spinal meningitis. He was rushed to the hospital in LeMars March 29th and upon the advice of competent surgeons was operated on as the only possible chance to save his life. He came out of the ordeal with his life hanging on a thread. Under the best of care he lingered for ten days, rallying at times to awaken slight hopes for an eventual recovery. Such hopes, however, were soon shattered by subsequent sinking spells.

He finally passed away peacefully at 7:30 last Thursday morning. He attained the age of 15 years, 11 months and 22 days. He leaves to mourn his loss his father, one sister Corinn, his stepmother, three stepsisters, two half sisters, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dittmer, his grandfather, John Renken, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at St. John's Lutheran church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon with Rev. C. D. Nuoffer in charge. The church was packed to an overflow and many remained outside. Interment was made in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery at Ireton. The pall bearers were Orville Vlotho, Marlin Eilts, Peter Sinkey, Ralph and Ronald Becker and Howard Dirks.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mr. Fred Mautenfel of Sacred Heart, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rauseh of Howard Lake, Minn.; Henry Weckworth of Glenco, Minn.; Edward Weckworth of Arlington, Minn.; Otto Patil of Gaylord, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Onken (and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hohweiler of Chester, S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hartman of Alcester; Mr. and Mrs. Herman Eilers and daughter Clara and Mr. and' Mrs. Harry Harms of bell Rapids, S. D.; Mrs. Schlitz, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Schlitz and Miss Lila Woodall of Virgil, S. D.