Frederick T. Ditt Jr.

To my friend Fred in the last few weeks when i was lucky to speak to you even just for a short time, i heard the struggle in your voice you had with your health and i wished you could feel my love in friendship and make your pain go away. Not once you complaint always just asking how i was doing that is the kind a friend you and Erna have been true all the 40 years we have known each other. Wel all experience the up and downs in our life but we always stayed close in our hearts. Erik and christian remembers there childhood years spending with you both. and we all lucky you came into our life and called us your friend. You will be missed dear fried but never forgotten I like to close with a poem for your wife Erna and family.
There is a time for tears when your heart is full of sorrow the begin to flow a naturaly as rain from heaven there is a beauty about them they should be shed proudly for the show how much you have lived and loved and lost tears honor our loved ones each one is a prayer that only god can hear the soul could have no rainbows if our eyes could have no tears. AUFWIEDERSEHN my friend until we meet again. Love Karin, Erick, Christain.

I remember the pool parties at Nancy's house and how you used to spoil me when you saw me. I also remember how you and Dad used to love stamp collecting. I do miss my big brother very much. When I came to visit you in Missouri you took the down feather bed off of Lorenz's bed and set it up for me on the carpet and it was like sleeping on a cloud and now that is where you are at. Save me a cloud next to you in Heaven. I love you.
Little Ditt

I remember you as a strong man dedicated to your loved ones. It was a priviledge to attend your funeral. I was able to witness the honor and respect given to you for a life well lived. You have a wonderful wife and family who will always love you deeply.

I miss my big brother in a big way. I always looked as our family being the seven kids. It doesn't seem whole anymore. Although I didn't grow up with my brother around much that didn't stop the love we shared. He looked handsome in his Army uniform and I remember being very impressed by that when I was younger. He served his country and his family well, especially Mommy whom we could all tell he loved very much. We miss and love you.

My great grandpa Fred was a great man, even though I did not really know him I had great conversations with him on the phone. I wish i could have went to go visit him from time to time so we could really bond in person, but situations did not allow us to. I regret not going now because I would have gotten to know a great man.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Dear Bubby,
Well,it was time to say goodbye. But that does not mean that the memories have to go too. You were the first of us seven kids, and I was the second. Since we were only a year apart, you and I pretty much grew up together. Sally was five years younger than me and then the rest were all quite a bit apart. We used to refer to them in later years as "the other family". I can remember many of the things we did when we lived in Chicago. Even though we were quite young at the time (times were very different then) we got to go to many places by ourselves. We would ride the streetcar to the movies, the Planetarium, Field Museum. We went to a lot of places together at about 7 or 8 years old. None of the other kids were ever able to do any of that. They are precious memories.

I also remember when Dad was in the Army and we all (Mom, you, me, and maybe Sally, but I can't remember Mom carrying her or anything. I remember you and I were going to go to the movies on the Base but we couldn't find it. We asked one of the men that we saw where it was but we couldn't understand what he said. We went back by Mom and Dad and I asked them what P.O.W. meant. That was what was on the back of the man we asked. I thought Dad was going to faint. We found out it meant Prisoner of Was. After that Dad didn't let us go anyplace alone. Oh, well, you can't win them all.

These are just some of the memories I have of my big Bubby. (Mom said I couldn't pronounce your name for a while. I learned though, Fred.

I loved you then and I still do. Till we meet again. Sis

the Ditt family, summer 1966

Til we meet again, Uncle Fred

I remember Fred when he worked at Datum back in the 80s. When I started in 1980 and he was the shipping and receiving manager. He also helped managed the Datum softball team.

As Memorial Day approaches I think of my brothers dedication to his country. I also remember his love of family. I got to visit him and Erna with my sister, Mom,and brother-in-law and we had a wonderful time talking about the past and joking around as usual. I also remember one of our last talks and how he wanted to make sure if something happened to him that Erna would be taken care of. He loved her very much. We all miss him but we know he's in no more pain and is with the Lord.
Patty

My Uncle Fred was a warm and caring man. I have many fond childhood memories spent at his house. My family misses him but we know he is with our Lord. Rest in peace Uncle Fred someday we will meet again.

Debby

For the believers death is a answer to all Gods promises,no more pain no more sorrow,only peace.Rest in Gods peace my brother.
Love your sister,
Sally

I first met Fred in 1996 when we became neighbors after buying a home near his and Erna's. Fred was a lot more active back then. I recall seeing him mowing his lawn with his shirt off and I thought, wow! watch that old dude go! Getting to know Fred I learned he was a decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. I served two tours in Korea as a member of the Air Force in 1992 an 1998 and my wife was born and raised in Korea. The Korean war is not distant memory among most Koreans and they like my wife are deeply appreciative of the sacrifice American servicemen like Fred made to defend their country.
Fred was the salt of the earth. I enjoyed chatting with him from time to time because there was never any doubt where Fred stood on a subject. My family and I enjoyed sharing BBQ and other dishes with Fred and Erna. Fred seemed to especially enjoy scaring and teasing my nine year old son who I hope never forgets him.
We surely miss Fred. He was a fine man and neighbor and my family and I are richer from knowing him.
GREEN GRASS AND HIGH TIDES FRED!

I known Fred as a very kind person and a hope he is now in a place without pain. May a candle light up his new place and never burn out. God bless him.
Karin Lawrence from Germany

Yes, we will certainly miss my uncle Fred and so will plenty of folks he came in contact with. Retroactively, I again would like to thank all of the participants who rendered their last respects at the grave site. A special thanks to those family members who didn't shy long travel hardships to attend. My warm felt thanks also goes to all the extended family members and neighbors who contributed to flowers or otherwise provided monetary support. The German family's support was omnipresent and very much appreciated; their last greetings and support throughout the past years will always be remembered. Fred was a nimble minded and upright person who did not hesitate to speak the truth and always sought ways to help the needy. His legacy will be missed but not forgotten. The Lawrence's

Grandpa I Know You Are In A Better place now. You are watching over all of us and laughing at things that we are doing. I Just want you to know I love you and I will alway miss you and you will always be in my heart. Grandpa dont worry we will meet again one day I love You... Love always from Your Granddaughter Jennifer.

My condolences to the family. Fred was a kind man and I know he's in a better place now and no longer in pain. God bless you!