Joseph Henry Dittmer was born to William and Frieda (Fangmeyer) Dittmer, on May 16, 1933. He became a child of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on June 4, 1933 by the Rev. Lentz of St. John's Lutheran Church, Byron, Neb. After being instructed in the Word of God, he was confirmed in 1947 by the Rev. Krause. His confirmation verse was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Joe grew up in the Byron area, attending grade school and later graduating from Byron High with the Cass of 1951.

Joseph entered into active service in the United States Army on June 30, 1953, at the age of 21. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he completed basic training, followed by the clerical procedures and typing course. From there, he was transferred to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana in January of 1954, where he completed his postal operations course.

He received notice he was being transferred to Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. While there, he handled and delivered mail to those who were wounded, disabled or burned. Joseph was then sent over seas, where he was stationed at Seoul, South Korea. He attained the rank of corporal, and served as a clerk in secret operations in 1954 and1955. Joseph was released from active military service and transferred to the Army Reserve to complete his eight years of service, under the Universal Military Training and Service Act. He was honorably discharged from the armed services of the United States of America on June 29, 1961.

On April 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to Audrey Wilma Holtzen at Trinity Lutheran Church, Friedensau, Neb. by the Reverend Clifford L. Bliss. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Pamela Kay and Catherine Sue.

He farmed and loved the outdoors, where he worked the land and raised hogs and cattle. He enjoyed helping his daughters prepare for showing their Dittmer Purebred Hampshire hogs at the Thayer County Fair. He delighted in fishing at the river and hunting with his family and friends. Joe was always there to lend a helping hand with those in need and or who were experiencing hardships. He served as a member of the church council and also taught Sunday school at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Byron. Joe was elected to the community Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service committee, where he surveyed land tracts and measured grain bins. He served on the Byron Public School Board, Blue Valley Lutheran Board, was a director of the Byron State Bank, was a Lions Club member, and was a member of the American Legion.

Joe and Audrey loved being able to vacation together, and were able to visit many interesting places. Most of all, they enjoyed time with their families, especially with their grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frieda Dittmer: son-in-law, Mark Betten: brothers-in-law, Junior Hoops and Darrel Jurgens: and a nephew, James Hoops. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey; his sister, Jane Hoops-Jurgens, his daughters, Pamela and husband, Lon Urbauer, of Edgar, Neb., and Catherine Betten and fiance, Ron Broers, of Deshler, Neb .; grandchildren, Kalen and Kari Betten of Chester, Neb., Kylie Betten of Beatrice, Neb., and Jeremiah Urbauer of Sutton, Neb .; great-grandchildren, Kora and Koen Betten of Chester, Neb., and Everly Urbauer of Sutton, Neb., as well as a host of family and friends.

Joseph Dittmer was laid to rest at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, there to await resurrection. Memorials are directed to the Family's Choice to be designated later.

His funeral was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.15, 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Byron with Pastor Irvin Schleufer officiating. Organist was Crystal Krenke. Congregational hymns were Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art and I Know That My Redeemer Lives.

Ahrendts Funeral Home of Deshler assisted the family with arrangements.