Herman Dittmer, age 89, of Fosston, Minnesota, died Wednesday, September 29, 2010, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, Minnesota.

Herman Christian Dittmer was born July 26, 1921, the son of Albert and Pauline (Pfaffle) Dittmer in Hebron, North Dakota. He was raised on a farm near Hebron and as a teenager, moved with his family to the Lockhart, Minnesota, community. Herman attended and graduated from Ada High School. He served with the Merchant Marines during World War II and after his honorable discharge at the end of the war he did construction work. On July 17, 1949, he was united in marriage to Donna Hedahl. They made their home on a farm near Bejou, Minnesota, and would travel to Florida in the winters where Herman worked in the construction field. To this union four children were born. Herman continued to operate the farm east of Bejou over the years. On December 27, 1962, he married Anita Hanson and they made their home on a farm near Fosston, Minnesota, where they raised their daughter. Over the years Herman and Anita traveled extensively. After Anita's death, Herman lived on the farm, and would travel to Hawaii and live with his daughter, Angela for the winter months. He recently moved to Jim and Loretta's home in Twin Valley. In August, Herman became a resident of the Twin Valley Living Center where he lived until the time of his death.

Herman loved to travel and had traveled throughout the world. He also enjoyed elk hunting and as a young man had hunted coyotes on horse back. Herman treasured the time he spent with his family as well as family gatherings and the time spent with them at the lake. He was a member of NFO, the OCIA and the Mill Wright Union. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Fosston.

Herman is survived by a son, Duane Dittmer of Billings, MT; daughters, Loretta (Jim) Olson of Twin Valley, MN, Angela Dittmer, of Hanapepe, Kauai, HI, Louise (Wayne) Schindler of Fosston, MN; 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Jeremiah, Joshua, Isaac, DeAnn, Jonathan, Jason, Natalie, Allison and Amanda; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Pauline (Claude) Oliver of Yakama, WA and Hildegard Chase of Albany, NY.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, eight siblings and one son, Dennis.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 2nd, at 2:00 PM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Officiating will be Pastor Lois Ball with Danette Gwin serving as organist with Theresa Dahlin and Alden Anderson serving as vocalists. Urnbearer will be Duane Dittmer.