Sam Dittmer

A mass for Sam Dittmer, 72, of Lacona will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Lacona, Iowa. A rosary will be held prior to the visitation starting at 3:30 p.m. with the visitation to follow at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lacona.

Samuel Dittmer was born on November 16, 1953, in Chariton, Iowa, to Joe and Mary Dittmer. He spent his life rooted in the land he loved, never living more than two miles from home among the three houses on the family farm.

Sam was a hardworking and dedicated farmer who took great pride in his land and cattle. He raised Iowa Polled Hereford cattle and was once honored as Farmer of the Year, a recognition that reflected his commitment and stewardship. He was an active member of the Lucas County Cattlemen's Association and served on the ASCS Board in Lucas County for 18 years.

Known for being incredibly handy, Sam could fix just about anything. He also had a witty, dry sense of humor and loved to tease those around him, a trait that brought many smiles to family and friends. In his spare time, Sam enjoyed fishing, whether it was the ponds on his own land or traveling to fish in Florida, Canada, and Wisconsin. He also loved bowling and played in bowling leagues.

Above all else, Sam loved his family. His four boys and his grandchildren were his greatest joy, and his life revolved around providing for them and sharing the values of hard work, humility, and love of the land.

Sam will be deeply missed by his four sons: Bryant (Hannah) Dittmer, Brant (Heather) Dittmer, Troy (Jessica) Dittmer and Travis (Michelle) Dittmer; eight grandkids: Stella, Wallace, Edith, Ellie, Emery, Hailee, Tucker and Walker; one great granddaughter, Gracelyn; eight siblings: Jake (Kathleen) Dittmer, Tony Dittmer, Sue (Bonnie Hodson) Dittmer, Roger (Theresa) Dittmer, Richard (Jo Carroll) Dittmer, Sally (John) Kennedy, Greg (Shelly) Dittmer and Lisa (Johnny Schnathorst) Dittmer; special friends, Carolyn and Michelle along with many other extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Mary Dittmer; brothers: Leon Dittmer and Joe Dittmer; and his grandson Frederick Dittmer.