Jerry Dittman
October 27, 1946 ~ August 10, 2023
Jerry Dittman, 76, Highmore, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rev. Shari Schwedhelm, officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Jerry Fritz Dittman was born in Pierre, South Dakota on October 27, 1946, to Fred and Pearl (Bawdon) Dittman. After Jerry graduated from Highmore High School in 1964, he attended automotive and mechanical trade school in Fargo, North Dakota in 1965 to pursue his passion for cars.
Jerry moved back to the home place to help ranch until he went back to school in January of 1968, in Spearfish for three years. Jerry then came back home to ranch again and built his own place in 1974.
In 1984, he had his first daughter, Danielle, and two years later his second daughter, Ashly, was born. Jerry was very involved in his daughter’s lives, spending time at their Grandma Pearl’s, taking family summer vacations, and attending every sporting event.
In Jerry’s free time his hobbies included playing golf, shooting pool, bowling, and playing cards.
Jerry had a true love for farming and ranching, but his true passion was for cars. He liked collecting them and attending car shows. Jerry started the annual Old Settler’s Car Show in 2008. He could talk and talk for hours about cars if you would let him. Going to the races was another favorite of Jerry’s.
Jerry enjoyed his special times with his three grandsons. When they came to Grandpa’s farm, riding in the tractor and on the four-wheeler were the highlights. He attended sporting events and always wanted to go to Pizza Ranch for supper.
His memory will be cherished by two daughters: Danielle (Nathan) Bekaert and Ashly (Ryan) Norman; three grandchildren: Logan and Landon Bekaert and Grayson Norman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: Justin and Jim.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Jerry’s arrangements.
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Our sincerest condolences to the Dittman Family
So sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear this. Did not realize he was in the hospital. Prayers for you all. God bless.
Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. We enjoyed. the same hobbies so saw him often. Always fun to be around. Going to miss our conversations. Going to miss you "Fred".
We just saw Jerry in Dairy Queen my birthday weekend July 15th and he was getting chicken. Loved stories of our purple car and his wishing for one. He got a red one like his friend Tim. Said he did not know how to drive it for it was too fast for him. Best friend to share a story of life adventures. He will be missed in the car families. Blessings to the family. Paul and Lurene Denke of Pierre.. the Purple girl
My sincere condolences to the family. RIP Jerry you were a good friend! I’ll miss your visits and our conversations!
To Jerry’s family, you are all in my prayers for peace and comfort as your mourn the loss of Jerry. He was always fun to visit with and could always make me laugh about something. I saw him most often at church when I was back home in Highmore. He was never in a hurry to leave church because he always enjoyed the coffee and treats afterwards. May you find some peace in knowing that Jerry knew his Savior and is no doubt sharing some stories with Him now.
I traveled back and forth with Jerry to Black Hills State when we were in college. Lots of fun and funny stories there. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I haven't seen him much in later years but the video of him tells the story of his love for his family and I can imagine how much you all will miss him. Hold your memories close and rest in the peace he is rejoicing in heaven.
Memories are so wonderful when a loved one is no longer with us. God Bless all of you!!