That decision would lead to Dittmer leaving substantial monetary gifts for both Holy Trinity Parish and The Marian Home and Village following his death.

He left approximately $280,000 to Holy Trinity Parish and $180,000 to the Marian Home and Village, to be used wherever needs are greatest.

Dittmer, who passed away in Fort Dodge this past March, was born in 1929 in Warren County as the seventh of nine children to Henry and Rosa Dittmer. He found the love of his life in Sherry Perry, with the two marrying in 1951.

They would reside on a farm just southeast of Milo until 1978, with Dittmer working at Iowa Packing Company, Green Colonial Furnace Co. and Bob Allen’s in Des Moines before selling the farm.

-Messenger file photo
A sitting area at the Marian Home and Village is shown. The Marian Home and Holy Trinity Parish will benefit from gifts left by Bernard Dittmer, who passed away earlier this year.

Dittmer was a member of Sacred Heart and then Holy Trinity Parish, residing at The Marian Home.

“Bernard was a salt of the earth sort of person who saw beyond himself and tried always to attend to the needs of others,” said Msgr. Kevin McCoy, the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish. “He lovingly cared for his wife in her final illness, always ensuring her spiritual needs were met. He was a man of communion, and his gift to the parish center is so in keeping with his character ”

Both the Holy Trinity Parish and The Marian Home and Village extended sincere gratitude to Dittmer.

“This gift is a beautiful reflection of Bernard’s faith and love for others,” said Tracy Trotter, administrator of The Marian Home and Village. “It will help us continue providing compassionate, faith-filled care, ensuring our residents experience dignity, comfort, and community. We are grateful to the Dittmer family for honoring Bernard’s memory in such a meaningful way.”

Sherry Dittmer passed away in 2011. The couple had three children — David, Michael and Linda — and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.