Darleen Mae (Henning) Dittmer, age 93, of Kramer, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025. Born on May 3, 1932, to Richard and Vera (Behrens) Henning in Crete, Nebraska. Darleen was the eldest of four siblings, with three younger brothers. She graduated from Crete High School in 1949 and then accepted a position working for the state of Nebraska. She married the love of her life, Elmer Dittmer, on September 17, 1950, in Kramer, Nebraska.

Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage prior to Elmer's passing in 2017. They raised four sons, worked to build a successful farm raising sheep and cattle, and were active in the community. Elmer and Darleen enjoyed traveling and spent time in Alaska, Mexico, and Hawaii, where their square-dancing club they were in danced. They visited almost every state in the US and many baseball stadiums. They enjoyed going to their sons' and grandchildren's sporting events and playing cards with their friends.

Darleen was a lifelong and faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Kramer. Her deep faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was an active member of the Ladies Aid. She was recently named a 40-year member of the American Legion-Ladies Auxiliary. She also served many years as an elementary school secretary at Crete Public Schools, where she enjoyed interacting with the staff and students.

Darleen will be remembered for her steadfastness to her faith and family, her ability to make those around her laugh, and her persistent offering of snacks. She leaves a legacy of strength, service, and fortitude that will live on with the ones she loved.

Darleen was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; parents, Dick and Vera Henning; mother and father in-law, William and Minnie Dittmer; granddaughter, Becky Dittmer; brother, Eldon Henning; sisters-in-law, Leann Henning, Eleanor Henning, Gloria Pospisil, Bernice Steuer; brother in-law, Dolyn Steuer; nephews, Larry Steuer, Tim Henning; and step-grandson, Tim Drevo.

Darleen is survived by her four sons and their spouses: Ron (Kate) Dittmer, Terry (Genie) Dittmer, Gene (Lori) Dittmer, and Jim (Angie) Dittmer; brothers, Arnold Henning and Loren Henning; and sister-in-law Carol Henning.

She leaves behind her grandchildren: Camie (Dale) Nitzel, Jeff (Hilda) Dittmer, Sally (Chris) Heusinkvelt, Staci (Shaun) McMahon, Travis (Patricia) Dittmer, Mindie (Phil) Hughes, Jessie (Kelly) Graff, Mollie (Aaron) Topil, Jacob Dittmer, Emily Dittmer, Annisa Dittmer, Willem Dittmer, Cody Drevo, and Sheryl (Steve) Bray. She also leaves behind 37 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held at Kuncl's on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kramer, NE. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed at https://youtube.com/live/X-71VXInKJE?feature=share.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete, Nebraska.