Wayne Andrew Dittmer

Wayne A. Dittmer, 87, was born on 11/15/1931 in Lacona, Iowa and passed away in Erie, Colorado on April 13, 2019. He was the first child of Arthur S. and Marie F. (Snuggs) Dittmer. He married Carol Klein on October 9, 1954. They moved to Denver in 1959 and raised 5 daughters.

Wayne served his country in the Korean War in the Army's 68th AAA gun battery. He was a proud veteran. Following his military service, Wayne worked as an arborist for many years and became known as the "tree man" to many. He loved nature and regularly pointed out examples of exceptional tree specimens to his wife and daughters on Sunday drives. Following his retirement, he and Carol spent their winters in Arizona where he enjoyed geocaching, ATV's, pot lucks, friends and all the things snow birds do. In particular they developed a close relationship with new friends Monty and Lee Gosney. They shared many fun and loving times with them.

He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and a delighted grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a full and satisfying life. He was heartbroken to lose his wife, Carol, in 2016 and moved in with his youngest daughter, Julie and her husband Randy. There he continued a strong and independent life. He passed away as he wished, at home with his family nearby.

He is survived by his five daughters; Cynthia (John) Kirrane, Deborah Blubaugh, Barbara (Christopher) McGrane, Brenda Hageman and Julie (Randy) Locke; three grandchildren, Nicholas Kirrane, Aidan McGrane, Holly Blubaugh; two step-grandchildren Nathan (Jessica) Locke and Raechelle (Isaac) Hibdon ; great-granddaughter Ameliya Garcia; step great-grandchildren Hunter, Kendall, Tatum, Andrew, Jacob and Savannah. He is also survived by his siblings; Genevieve (James) Hofsetz, Neil (Arlene) Dittmer and Joy (John O'Hearn) Dittmer. There are also a multitude of surviving and loving nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his brother Edwin (Rose) Dittmer and sister Joan (Bill) Heine as well as his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to TRU Community Care, 2594 TrailRidge Dr East, Lafayette, CO 80026 or online at www.TRUCARE.org. All donations are tax deductible.

Services & Gatherings

Visitation: Tuesday, April 23, 2019

8:30am to 10:00am

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr

Lafayette, CO 80026

Service:Tuesday, April 23, 2019

10:00am to 11:00 am

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr

Lafayette, CO 80026

Luncheon:To follow service at church

Interment:Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Fort Logan National Cemetery - Stage B

4400 West Kenyon Ave.

Denver, CO 80236

Entrance on Sheridan Blvd

Enter North Gate