Darleen Mae (Henning) Dittmer, age 93, of Kramer, passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2025.
Born May 3, 1932, to Richard and Vera Henning in Crete, Darleen was the eldest of four siblings, with three younger brothers. She graduated from Crete High School in 1949 and then accepted a position working for the state of Nebraska. She married the love of her life, Elmer Dittmer, on Sept. 17, 1950, in Kramer.
Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage prior to Elmer's passing in 2017. They raised four sons, worked to build a successful farm, raising sheep and cattle, and were active in the community. Elmer and Darleen enjoyed traveling and spent time in Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii, where the square-dancing club they were in danced. They visited almost every state in the United States and many baseball stadiums. They enjoyed going to their son's and grandchildren’s sporting events and playing cards with their friends.
Darleen was a lifelong and faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Kramer. Her deep faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was an active member of the Ladies Aid. She was recently named a 40-year member of the American Legion-Ladies Auxiliary. She also served many years as an elementary school secretary at Crete Public Schools, where she enjoyed interacting with the staff and students.
Darleen will be remembered for her steadfastness to her faith and family, her ability to make those around her laugh, and her persistent offering of snacks. She leaves a legacy of strength, service, and fortitude that will live on with the ones she loved.
Darleen was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; parents, Dick and Vera Henning; mother and father in-law, William and Minnie Dittmer; granddaughter, Becky Dittmer; brother, Eldon Henning; sisters-in-law, Leann Henning, Eleanor Henning, Gloria Pospisil and Bernice Steuer; brother in-law, Dolyn Steuer; nephews, Larry Steuer and Tim Henning; and step-grandson, Tim Drevo.
Darleen is survived by her four sons and their spouses: Ron (Kate) Dittmer, Terry (Genie) Dittmer, Gene (Lori) Dittmer, and Jim (Angie) Dittmer; brothers, Arnold Henning and Loren Henning; and sister-in-law, Carol Henning. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Camie (Dale) Nitzel, Jeff (Hilda) Dittmer, Sally (Chris) Heusinkvelt, Staci (Shaun) McMahon, Travis (Patricia) Dittmer, Mindie (Phil) Hughes, Jessie (Kelly) Graff, Mollie (Aaron) Topil, Jacob Dittmer, Emily Dittmer, Annisa Dittmer, Willem Dittmer, Cody Drevo, and Sheryl (Steve) Bray. She also leaves behind 37 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A public viewing will be at Kuncl Funeral home on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 5 – 7 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kramer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.
