Robert was born on January 29, 1928, to Frank and Alma (Miller) Dittmer on the family farm northwest of Holstein, Iowa. Robert was the third of seven children, five sisters and one brother. He attended country school and graduated from Holstein High School in May, 1946.
Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his country in the Korean War. He was awarded two bronze stars and a Purple Heart for his service.
On February 20, 1955, he was united in marriage with Eva Todd of Holstein and they were blessed with 4 children. Robert was a good husband and father, hard working farmer, veterinarian, butcher, gardener, and handyman. In addition to raising a variety of livestock and farming, Robert worked nights at VTI in the counter top and door area, and after moving to Holstein worked for Hamlin Quarter Horses. He taught his family the value of hard work and an appreciation of a job well done.
He enjoyed working with and riding horses, watching Western movies, reading books, working on puzzles, and taking his family to the Clay County Fair. Robert was a member of the Holstein American Legion.
He is survived by three children: Vincent of Quimby, Jayne (John) Perrett of Holstein, Roberta (Les) Thomas of Sterling, VA; five grand children, Benjamin (Jamee), Nicholas, Amanda Dittmer, Donna (fiancé Chris Ahrends) and Michael Perrett; and two great grandchildren, Devin and Jaylynn Dittmer. He is also survived by sisters Lauretta Skarin of Wall Lake and Janet (Ron) Nielsen of Ida Grove; brothers-in-law, Donald (Delores J.) Todd of Quimby, Clarence (Bernice) Todd of Quimby, Franklin (Carolyn) Todd of Holstein, Gail (Nancy) Todd of Holstein, Ken (Janie) Todd of Quimby, and Peter Godbersen of Quimby and sisters-in-law, Delores I. Todd of Washta, Elvera Todd of Holstein and Donna Todd of Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva; daughter, Valerie; daughter-in-law, Lynn (Miller) Dittmer; three sisters, Arlene Mohn, Lois Boldra, and Marie Sundene; and brother Howard Dittmer; brothers-in-law, Arnold Mohn, Junior Skarin, Donald “Swede” Sundene, Ted Boldra, Ralph, Darrel and Eugene “Pete” Todd, Leroy Boock; and sisters-in-law, Agnes Boock, Rose Godbersen and Gladys Todd.