Elmer W. Dittmer was born June 7th, 1927 to William and Minnie (Masenthin) Dittmer of Crete, NE and passed away October 13, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was baptized at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Kramer, NE on June 27, 1927. "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved" – Mark 16:16

Elmer went to District 123 until 5th grade. He attended St. John's Parochial school graduating after 8th grade. Elmer was lucky to attend Crete High School and graduated in May 1945. After graduating he continued farming with his father.

Elmer and Darleen (Henning) were married at St. John's church on September 17th, 1950.

Elmer left for training in the Army on November 1, 1950 . He was placed at Camp Carson, and remained until June 1951. He was then stationed in Anchorage Alaska during the Korean War. He was a member of the 186 Regiment and 200th Engineer Regimental Combat Team. Elmer received the Good Conduct Medal and National Service Award.

After serving his country he came home to farm. He also worked construction at the Crete Mills for $1 per hour. He also worked various other jobs, which included Yankee Hill Brick Yard, Kenny's Produce, and Kramer Elevator where he remained until he retired in 1990.

Elmer was a member of St. Johns Lutheran church in Kramer is whole life. He was active in Cell Group and Joy Group for over 30 years and served in many capacities through the years. Elmer was also a member of the Hallam Legion 294.

Throughout their married life Elmer and Darleen were lucky to have traveled. They visited Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii (where they square danced). They also visited almost every state in the US. Elmer and Darleen loved baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals, and visited many baseball parks across the country together.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie, his brother in law, Dolyn Steuer, sister in law, LeAnn Henning and step-grandson, Tim Drevo.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Darleen; four sons and their wives, Ron (Kate), Terry (Genie), Gene (Lori), and Jim (Angie), sister, Bernice Steuer, Crete; brothers in law and wives, Eldon (Carol) Henning, Lincoln; Arnold (Gloria) Henning, Lincoln; Loren (Eleanor)Henning, Crete. Thirteen grandchildren; Camie (Dale) Nitzel, Denton; Jeff Dittmer, Crete; Sally (Chris) Heusinknvelt, Rochester, MN; Staci (Shaun) McMahon, Gretna; Travis (Patricia) Dittmer, Gaithersburg, MD; Becky Dittmer, Crete; Mindie (Phil) Hughes, Crete; Jessie (Kelly) Graff, Omaha; Mollie (Aaron) Topil; Jacob Dittmer; Emily Dittmer; Annisa Dittmer; Willem Dittmer, all of Lincoln; Cody Drevo, Crete; and Cheryl (Steve) Bray, Omaha. Eighteen Great-Grandchildren; Kyla, Jarrod, Josiah, Elijah, Ezra Nitzel – Denton. Jaxson, Ty, & Reggie Dittmer, Crete; Sylvia, Genevieve, and Ivan Heusinkvelt, Rochester, MN; Camden, Kinsley, and Kendell McMahon, Gretna; Claire and Jon Dittmer, Gaithersburg, MD; Ella Hughes, Crete; Mara Topil, Lincoln. Step-great grandchildren; Jessica Standley, Ryan Drevo, Lucas Drevo, Laura Drevo, Erin Roth, Emma Hintz, Jennifer Anderson and Morgan Graff. Step-great-great grandchildren; Adrianna Drevo, Elise Drevo, Maddox Standley, Nathan Anderson, Garrett Anderson and Addyline Hintz.

Services: Wednesday, 10:30 am, St. John Lutheran Church, Kramer, NE. Visitation with family present will be on Tuesday, from 5 - 8 pm at the church. Memorials have been designated to the church. Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is handling arrangements.