Obituary for Donald Harvey Dittmer

Donald Harvey Dittmer, 74, of 822 Taylor Street in Davenport died Saturday November 25, 2006 at home after a long illness. Private internment will take place at a later date at the National Cemetery in Rock Island. Donald is survived by his wife Merle, three daughters; Mary (Mike) Teel of Aledo, IL, Diane (Wayne) Soppe, and Cheryl Janus of all of Davenport, two sons, David (Tammy) Dittmer of Davenport and Steven (Kelly) Dittmer of Bettendorf. Also surviving are a sister, Ann Reipe of Davenport, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter Michelle Jensen, a brother Marlan, and his parents. Donald was born Friday July 15, 1932 in Princeton, IA to Peter and Ethel Dittmer. He attended Davenport High School and later joined the United States Marine Corp serving in Korean Conflict. He married Merle Curry on June 28, 1952 in Davenport. He retired from the Davenport Fire Department in 1966. He went on to work for Hobart Corporation, Tri City Electric and retired in 1997 from Republic Electric Company to travel the country visiting friends and family. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, was a board member of Camp EWALU in Strawberry Point, and was a 3rd Ward Alderman from 1974-1975. Truly in love with Merle, his wife of 54 years, he was a proud, loving and forgiving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He believed your family will always be there for you. He was a friend to everyone and proud to be a Fireman and a Marine. “Once a Marine-Always a Marine”. A memorial fund has been established for Zion Lutheran Church in Davenport and EWALU Camp and Retreat Center in Strawberry Point.