Robert “Bob” Dittmer

Robert (Bob) Dittmer, age 81, Ogema, MN and formerly Felton, MN passed away at Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Bob, son of Friedrich (Fred) and Grace Dittmer was born on September 27, 1937 in Ada, MN.

Bob attended a one-room grade school in Common School District 30 in Gary, MN and later attended Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. He joined the Montana Air National Guard and was later transferred to Fargo Air National Guard. On March 19, 1966, he married Phyllis DesJardins and they had three daughters, Heidi, Laura and Charity. He owned and operated Dittmer Transit for over 40 years. After retiring from the trucking business, he and Phyllis moved to their favorite place on Strawberry Lake. He enjoyed spending time at the lake with his daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Bob enjoyed having coffee at the Strawberry Lake Store and Angie’s Diner, reminiscing and sharing stories with his coffee buddies. Bob will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, generosity, immense pride, and unwavering integrity.

Bob’s pride, integrity and imagination were joined with hand tools and sweat equity to bring his dreams to life. The home he built on Strawberry Lake started as a vision and was transformed to reality through years of hard work, self-education and persistence. Bob embraced a project spanning many years, clearing land and building a two- story home from footers to foundation, walls to roof. The lake home would have been a daunting task for any construction crew, but to be created by one man with a singular drive to achieve what many thought impossible speaks to the man himself. The hours of work outnumbered the hours of relaxation, but this was “Bob’s way”.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Phyllis; daughters, Heidi Dittmer, Laura Dittmer-Anderson, and Charity (Jeff) Ramler; 3 granddaughters, Rihana (Cody)  Pratschner, Hannah Miertschin, Rileigh Anderson; 1 great-granddaughter Spencer Pratschner; his sisters, Wanda (Bob) Platt and Rose (Woody) Gunstenson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Grace Dittmer; brother, David Dittmer; and nephew, David Dittmer Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 PM with visitation at 1:00 PM at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead.