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Robert Dittmer Obituary
Des Moines
Robert E. Dittmer died on August 14, 2013. He was born June 5, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Crown Point, Indiana and graduated from high school there. He went on to Ball State University and graduated from there in 1947.He was a well known and highly respected interior designer. He began his career at Marshall Field and Sears in Chicago and later came to DesMoines as Interior Design Editor at Meredith Publications, ultimately retiring from there as its Senior Interior Design editor. He then was one of the founders of Interiors, Ltd, a Des Moines interior design company and continued working there for another 20 years. He was a longtime supporter of the arts, including the DesMoines, Symphony. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Hart Dittmer, in 1964 and his father, Arthur Dittmer, in 1992. He is survived by his sister, Arlene (Evan) Gosser of Holiday Florida; two nephews, Rick (Jolynn) Gosser of Crown Point, Indiana and Loren (Tess) Gosser of Port Richie, Florida; three great nieces and one great nephew; as well as many friends and former business associates. There will be a brief memorial service at the Chamberlain Mansion at Wesley Acres, in DesMoines, this Sunday, August 18 at 4:00 PM, followed by a reception there. Private interment at the family plot in Crown Point is pending.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dittmer
Anne Harris
August 20, 2013
We will always miss you, Uncle Bob. <3
Estelle Bond- Guralnick
August 19, 2013
What a joy Bob was, both to work and play with. As
colleagues, we produced many a story together. But the
best time ever was antiquing with him in London--such
fun! A big talent and a great guy.
Yvonne and Pat Kozlowski
August 19, 2013
Our sympathy to Arlene and family during this difficult time. You are being thought of with love.
Marisa Dirks
August 18, 2013
Bob was a one of a kind person, blazingly talented in such an effortless way and possessing a wicked sense of humor. I have such clear memories as a young graphic designer just starting out, witnessing Bob and what it meant to be the professional creative lion that he was. What a gift he was to all of us!
August 18, 2013
A better colleague we cannot imagine. We both had the pleasure of working with Bob at Better Homes and Gardens at a time when he was at the peak of his many talents -- as a designer, collaborator, and mentor to others on the magazine staff. His artistic contributions were many and he had an unerring eye for design. His work was always fresh and creative.
Ann Levine and Bryan McCay
August 18, 2013
Bob was the best friend I have ever had. When I moved to Des Moines from New York to work for Meredith Corporation in 1982 he helped me rebuild my life, which I was able to successfully do. We have had so many wonderful times together and have laughed so many times and have shared so many wonderful times through the years. I will miss Bob with all of my heart and all of my soul for the rest of my life.
Anne Alizabeth Powell
Arlington, Virginia
Vernon Wilson
August 18, 2013
A true and honest gentleman. He will be greatly missed by many.
Vernon Wilson
August 18, 2013
A true gentleman. Great talent and a true sense of humor.
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