Emma Kathryn Dittrich

Emma Kathryn Dittrich, 102, of Amana, died 29 August 2019, at Colonial Manor of Amana, where she had been a resident for several years.  Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at the Middle Amana Church, with Elder Peter Hoehnle officiating.  Burial will be in the Main Amana Cemetery, Main Amana.  Visitation:  5 to 7 p.m.,  Monday, September 2, 2019, at the Middle Amana Church.  Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Amana Church or the Amana Heritage Society.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, of 69 years, her parents, Caroline and Fred Leichsenring, a sister Lillian Babbitt and brother Alfred Leichsenring.   She is survived by her children Jeanene Hoppe (Ray) of Fergus Falls, MN, Jackie Pettit of Middle Amana, and Dr. Howard Dittrich (Teri) of Las Vegas; grandchildren Michelle Long (Bruce), Chris Hoppe (Michelle), Melissa Forbes (Chris), Randy Fordice (Megan), Jessica McCabe (Ryan) and Mark Dittrich (Kassidi).  Emma was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren.

Emma was born July 21, 1917 in Amana, the daughter of Caroline and Fred Leichsenring. She went to elementary school in Amana and started high school in Marengo, Iowa.  She was a member of the first graduating class at the newly established Amana High School in 1936.  After high school she worked for the Amana Society main office and then for George Foerstner, the founder of Amana Refrigeration.

Emma married Elmer John Dittrich of Homestead on July 20, 1940. Elmer’s birthday was July 19 so they were able to celebrate Elmer’s birthday, their anniversary and Emma’s birthday every year on July 19th, 20th and 21st.  In 1944 Emma joined Elmer in San Diego where he was in the US Navy.  She worked for Consolidated Aircraft Corporation returning to Amana in 1945.  After three children were in school, she resumed work at the Amana Society in 1958 until her retirement in 1982.

Emma helped to establish Amana as a National Historic Landmark and was a founding member of the Amana Heritage Society and as the treasurer, served on their board for many years.  Emma belonged to the first Amana women’s investment club, was a campfire and ‘Y’ teen leader, a member of Eastern Star and became an antique dealer in her retirement.  As the antique German house blessing hanging above her bed reads: “May God’s peace come down to you and your loved ones.”