Earl D. Dittmar, 86, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at his home under the care of his family and hospice. Earl was born June 4, 1933, in Wausau, son of the late Carl and Dorena (Jaeger) Dittmar. He married Esther Henkelman in December of 1953. They later divorced but remained good friends throughout the rest of their lives. Earl dairy farmed in the Town of Pine River, did logging, and had been a mechanic. Earl’s hobbies included deer hunting, fishing, trapping, listening to polka music, Oliver tractors, and attending auctions. Earl honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, and was stationed in Texas. In 2013, Earl and his friend Albert Herdt were able to visit Washington D.C. on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
Earl is survived by three daughters, Dawn Mathis (Roger Williams), Diane Dittmar, and Darlene Mattson all of Merrill; three sons, Dean Dittmar, Merrill, Doug Dittmar, Weston, and Dale (Lynette) Dittmar, Merrill; ten grandchildren, Arnie (Jennie) Mathis, Robert Mathis, Heidi Mathis, Kip (Sarah) Kreager, Kyle (Keith) Kreager, Brad Dittmar, Christy (Christian) Lopez, Brandon Clark (Michelle Smith), Brittany Dittmar (Tyler Grams), and Mitchell Dittmar; twelve great-grandchildren, Devon, Casius, Finn, Malakai, Callum, Gabriella, Alexia, Declan, Sequoyia, MaKenna, Kelsy, and Makaiah; one brother, Donald ‘Fuzzy’ Dittmar, Merrill; two sisters, Doris Madden, Wausau, and Ethel Tritten, Merrill; one brother-in-law, Frank Tritten; and his dear friend, Albert Herdt, Merrill. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorena Dittmar; son-in-law, Phillip Mattson; two brothers, Edward and Gerald; three sisters, Janice, Marjorie, and Shirley; his in-laws, Raymond Madden, and Harry Tritten; and dear friend, Dawn Herdt.
The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will follow in Springbrook Cemetery, Town of Pine River with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday and again after 9:30 AM Monday all at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in Earl’s name. The family would like to thank Interim Hospice for the care they provided Earl during the past few months.
The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.