David Leroy Dittmer's Obituary
David Leroy Dittmer, 87, of Amherst, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at his home with his children at his bedside. Born on May 11, 1937, in Lorain, he was the beloved son of Maynard and Rose (née Muzik) Dittmer.
David was a proud graduate of Lorain High School, Class of 1955. He continued his education at Lorain County Community College and Bowling Green State University. On March 22, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard of Ohio, serving honorably in the 1st Infantry Battalion, 145th Infantry, achieving the rank of Private (E-2) before his discharge on February 19, 1964.
A hardworking and dedicated individual, David began his career delivering newspapers as a young boy before working at Ridge Tool, Dittmer Machine Tool Company, and the Lorain County Board of Elections. His professional journey led him to Ford Motor Company in 1958, where he served as a Supervisor in the Paint Department and later as an Employee Resource Coordinator. During his tenure, he was featured in a Ford Motor Company commercial in 1981. He retired in 1995 after decades of dedication to the company.
David was an active member of AMVETS in Vermilion, Ohio, and had a deep passion for life’s simple joys. He found happiness in model trains, traveling, photography, working in the yard, camping, and playing chess. One of his greatest loves was roller skating, a pastime that brought him much joy over the years.
David is survived by his loving girlfriend, Judith Bedinghaus, of Wellington; children, Jeffrey Allen (Gayle) Dittmer of New Albany, Joy Culig of Amherst, and Dyana Adkins of Lorain; step-sons, Jim Kraus, of Las Vegas, and Steven Kraus, of Berea; cherished grandchildren, Brett D. (Jaimie) Martyn, Bryana (Joshua) Torres, Eric Dittmer, Maria Dittmer, and Brandon Culig; and adored great-grandchildren, Mia Martyn, McKenna Torres, Liliana Torres, and Knox Torres. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Bainbridge, as well as nieces, Joylynn Bainbridge, and Robin (Mike) Popovich.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis (Rockwell) Dittmer; parents, Maynard and Rose Dittmer; son-in-law, Mark Culig; brother-in-law, Butch Bainbridge; and step-daughter, Patty (Behrendt) Kraus,
David’s family will receive friends to honor and celebrate his life on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral center. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, David. Your kindness, dedication, and love for life will never be forgotten. “See You In The Future”
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