Marcus William Dittmer

Marcus W. Dittmer, age 102, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of Newton, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Glenwood Place in Marshalltown.

Per the wishes of Marcus and his family, cremation rites have been accorded. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 31 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish: St. Henry Catholic Church, where he was a faithful member. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 A.M. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newton, where he will receive full military honors provided by the American Legion Post 111 of Newton. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Marcus and his family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Marcus William Dittmer was born on August 25, 1923 in Lacona, Iowa to parents Rolly and Frances (Anders) Dittmer. He attended Rosemont Catholic County School while helping out on the family farm.

Marcus honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II from 1945 to 1947. After his return, he was united in marriage to Florence Coulter on May 11, 1948. They celebrated 54 years of marriage together before her passing in 2002. He was blessed to find companionship again later in life, marrying Iona Dittmer.

Marcus followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his life to tending the land and caring for animals as a farmer. A kind and patient man, he was especially good with animals, raising livestock and lambing with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his five children: Judy (Jerry) Weller of Ottumwa, Richard (Sue) Dittmer of Kellogg, Kathleen Goldsberry of Texas, Dennis (Lynn) Dittmer of Newton and Marvin Dittmer of Newton and stepdaughter Janet (Randy) Breed; grandchildren: Michele (Rex) Heisdorffer, Michael (Danielle) Weller, Ami Dittmer, Keri Dittmer (Andy Swanson), Jennifer (Cory) Scheer, Jeremiah Goldsberry, Kayla Samo (Cody Werner), Emily (“Chito”) Diaz-Flores, Amy Rethmeier, Jeff (Heather) Bylo, Candace Bylo (Josh) and Rolly (Adele) Dittmer. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: McKenna (Garrett), Logan (Sierra), Landon H., Taylan W., Dallas (Paige), Jordan, Zachary, Kyle (Ally), Summer, Landon G., Spencer, Lily, Mattie, Kinsley, Marianna, Caitlin (Nathan), Tristan (Mariah), Ethan, Carissa, Kaylee, Cameron, Jeffrey, Raeger, Kayla (Bryan) and Geoffery; brother-in-law: Harry Jensen and sister-in-law Joyce Dittmer.

Marcus is preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Dittmer; second wife, Iona Dittmer; his parents Rolly and Frances Dittmer; son-in-law Dennis Goldsbury; and five siblings: Wilbert (Leona) Dittmer, Rita (Lloyd) Ceasar, Anne (Chuck) Forret, Colleen Jensen, and Lawrence Dittmer.