Alfred Joseph Dittmer Jr.

Alfred Joseph Dittmer Jr. of Des Moines went to his heavenly home Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at the age of 76. Alfred fought a courageous battle with cancer for the last nine years of his life. He was born April 11, 1938, to Alfred Sr. and Lucille Dittmer at the family home in Lacona, Iowa.

Alfred was raised in Lacona with his four brothers and three sisters. He worked at the Lacona elevator during high school and was a member of the first football team in Lacona. Alfred graduated in 1956 as the President of his class.

Alfred joined the military soon after high school graduation. He worked on electronic guidance systems for F102 fighter jets as a member of the Full House Squadron.

Alfred was married to Sharon Lee Cruchelow on April 22, 1961. They made their home in Indianola, Iowa until Sharon’s passing in January of 2006. Alfred began working for IBM as a computer field engineer. He retired from IBM in 1989.

Alfred’s life was devoted to his wife, his three children and grandchildren. Al served his community as an officer in the Warren County Sheriff reserve, as an Explorer Scout leader, and fighting forest fires when he lived in Colorado. He earned his pilot’s license and owned a plane in partnership with two associates. His interests revolved around his love of the outdoors. This included hunting, fishing, photography and working on his hobby farm purchased in southern Warren County.

Left to survive Alfred are his children, Scott (Cindy) Dittmer of Newton, Dawn (Dave) Nelson of Des Moines and Dana (Joe) Valadez of Des Moines; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his seven brothers and sisters, Kenneth (Ann) Dittmer of St. Petersburg, Fla., Rosanna (Alban) Metz of Lacona, Ronald Dittmer of New Virginia, Dennis Dittmer of Washington State, Bill Dittmer of New Virginia, Linda (Ray) Kisley of Osage and Bev (Paul) Kisley of Osage. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Elizabeth in infancy and his beloved wife.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27, at First Assembly of God Church, 1700 W. Second Ave. in Indianola. A graveside service open to the public will be performed 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at Hope Lutheran Church, 3857 E. 42nd St. in Des Moines at 4 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.overtonfunerals.com.