Dorothy Ditter
On Sunday morning, August 21, 2016, Dorothy was preparing to go to mass and the Lord said, “Dorothy, stop! I need you now!” And she answered, “Lord, I am so ready!” She was lifted into the heavens, beaming with delight at the age of 92.
Dorothy was born June 1, 1924 in rural Mt. Calvary to Joseph and Mary (Boehlen) Schmitt. Dorothy lived a simple life after marrying Wilfred “Pete” Ditter on August 9, 1947 at Holy Cross Church in Mt. Calvary.
She loved all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy loved playing cards, her word search games, crocheting and reading the FDL paper every afternoon. To the delight of her great grandchildren, the family discovered she knew how to whistle, she played games and even blew bubbles. In the evening, she was an avid fan of The Andy Griffith Show. Going out to eat topped her list on the weekends.
Dorothy came to life in the last six months. Assisted living was not on her agenda. Since last October, she resided with her daughter and son-in-law outside of Kewaskum.
A leisurely breakfast of over an hour revealed stories, especially in the last two weeks. Her sister, Marie, made dresses for the girls from her mother’s old dresses, but this time she got a brand new store-bought dress and she was in heaven. She had suddenly found laughter and a radiant smile. Listening was key and waiting for her to form her thoughts to express herself.
Dorothy leaves behind five children, Franklin and Joseph Ditter, Kenneth (Judy) Ditter, Patricia (Thomas) Staehler and Susan (Mark) Steffes; grandchildren, Jeffrey Ditter, Michelle Ditter, and Timothy Ditter, Brian (Lesa) Staehler, Kevin (Tamara) Staehler, Nicholas (Mandy Stout, special friend) Staehler, and Katie (Andy) Lensink, Sean Steffes and Sara (Michael) Demerath, along with 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete, one granddaughter, Mary Marie, her parents, Joseph and Mary Schmitt, eight brothers and sisters, other relatives and friends.
In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes, private family services will be held. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park. Anyone wishing to express condolences can send them to 8265 Sandy Ridge Road, Kewaskum, WI 53040. In lieu of flowers, please take a few moments to honor Dorothy’s beauty in the world and know that her spirit lives forever.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to her caregivers, especially Emma, her long time hair dresser and friend, Linda Schneider, and Aurora Health Care, Kewaskum Rescue Squad and anyone that participated in Dorothy’s life journey, including her card playing group.
Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory, Fond du Lac is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com