- Date Of Birth: March 3, 1923
- Date Of Death: May 14, 2018
- State: Michigan
Lorraine Lorna (Wittbrodt) Dittenber, 95, of Midland passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, May 14, 2018. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on March 3, 1923 to Leon and Flora (Brown) Wittbrodt and moved to Midland at a young age.
Lorraine married Merlin Ray Dittenber at St. Brigid’s Parish, on June 20, 1942. Lorraine was employed at the Midland Post Office while Merlin served as a bomber pilot in the Air Force during World War II. After the war ended, they lived in Ann Arbor while Merlin attended the University of Michigan, eventually returning to Midland to live and raise their family. Later on they spent several years living in Sarnia, Ontario, and Coral Gables, Florida. They returned to Midland upon retirement in 1984, built a new home, and spent much of their time traveling in their RV, golfing and dancing together. They had 57 happy years of marriage until Merlin’s death in June 1999.
Lorraine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful homemaker, a talented cook and baker. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially the gang from the Supper Club and the Brunch Bunch.
She is survived by her five children, Dean (Shannon) Dittenber, Diane Slagle (Ron McCreery), Mark (Tina) Dittenber, Melanie (Dave) Hopp, and Beth (Kim) Kloske; her nine grandchildren Colleen Dittenber, Michael (Emily) Dittenber, Kathryn Dittenber, Bryan Hopp, Amanda (Eric) Skriba, Chad McKinlay, Melissa (Cory) Binnie, Dana McKinlay (fiancé Stewart Dowd,) and Blair McKinlay; two great-granddaughters, Iyla and Chloe Binnie. A third great-grandchild is due to arrive very soon to Michael & Emily Dittenber.
Lorraine is also survived by her sister, Janice Speer, her sisters-in-law Marge Wittbrodt-Hager and Jean Meddaugh, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Bill (Lee) Wittbrodt, Leon (Mary) Wittbrodt, Jerry Wittbrodt and Duane Wittbrodt, and by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Arthur (Barb) Dittenber, Frieda (Johnny) Milano, Bernard Dittenber, Elsie (Otto) Schlagrait, and Adeline (Bob) Bradshaw.
We are grateful for the care and support of the Laurus Home Care Team at Independence Village. Their assistance allowed Mom to stay in her home where she was comfortable and well cared for.
We also are thankful for the guidance and support from the staff of Heartland Hospice and Great Lakes Home Care.
