Richard DeWayne Dittman

HOUSTON AND FORMERLY FROM LA CROSSERichard DeWayne Dittman, 77 of Houston and formerly from La Crosse, died Monday, November 17, 2014 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse surrounded by his children.Richard was born to William and Hazel Dittman on March 16, 1937. He was raised in La Crosse and graduated from Logan High School in 1954. He served with the Army for two years after graduation. A year and a half of that time was spent in Alaska. He then attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis for Radio Broadcasting. He took his first radio job in Ladysmith, WI. Later, he transferred to microphone duties at WISV, Viroqua for a 3 ½ year period.Rich earned his first class FCC rating as radio engineer and announcer at Elkins Institute of Electronics in Chicago, IL before he returned to La Crosse where he worked at the Heileman Brewery and did a swing shift at WKTY.In 1961, he married Helen Reid. Together, they raised two children, Craig Dittman and Richele Dittman.Richard later earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Winona State. He served Houston in many capacities, including 29 years of teaching at Houston Elementary, as a coach, voice of Friday night football, ambulance crew member, city council member, and mayor. He will be remembered for his quick wit and generous ways. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be sadly missed by all.He is survived by his children, Craig (Kristin) and Richele (Tod) Hemesath; grandchildren, Parker, Logan, Keegan, Amanda, and Tanner; siblings, Arlene, Garland (Nancy), and Loren (Amelia) Dittman. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Bill.The family prefers memorials be designated to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or to Houston Community Education.Memorial service will be held at 4pm, Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with Reverend Lane Zaffke officiating. Visitation will begin at 3pm. Military honors by the American Legion Arnet-Sheldon Post 423 will follow the service and burial will take place at Stone Church Cemetery.Please share a memory of Rich with his family and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/542034