John Leroy Ditlefsen passed away Tuesday morning, July 31, 2018 at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wisconsin. John was born February 13, 1927, the youngest son of Fred and Nettie (Giller) Ditlefsen in Laketown Township, Wisconsin.Â
He worked with his brother, Lloyd as a seasonal farm worker in Minnesota and Wisconsin in the late 30’s and early 40’s. John served in the Army 81st Airborne as a Paratrooper beginning in 1944. After jump school he was stationed in England. John switched to the Army Air Corps working in the Motor Pool and was re-stationed in Germany. He was a driver during the Nuremberg trials, departing military service in 1953.Â
He married Janice Schneewind on June 5, 1954 at North Valley Lutheran Church in Polk County, Wisconsin. Together they raised 6 children on a 120-acre dairy farm outside of Milltown. John worked for Swifts Slaughter House in St. Paul, Stokley’s Cannery in Milltown, was heavy equipment operator in the 60’s during the runway at Duluth IAP, Champion Aircraft in the paint shop, Armour’s Slaughter House in St. Paul, and Friday’s cannery in New Richmond.Â
John enjoyed going for walks, sledding, and playing games with his children, grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Sundays were for visiting with family and friends. He was a long-time member of the VFW and North Valley Lutheran Church.Â
John is preceded in death by his wife, Janice; daughter, Patti; and all of his siblings. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Janie Jenne), Gerry, David (Jennifer Stehley), Ted; daughter, Mary (John Patzer); and grandchildren, Steven Nipin-Muskwa, Jaime Patzer, Jonathan Patzer, Hannah Ditlefsen. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ardyce Ditlefsen, Faith Ditlefsen, Karen Schneewind; brother-in-law, Jon (Jan) Schneewind; brother-in law, Trevor Lundeen; and many nieces and nephews.Â
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at the North Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 20th, 2018. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., luncheon to follow.Â
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
