July 15, 1926 to November 3, 2019
Walter Henry Dittmann was truly an unique man; the epitome of what people refer to as “a gentleman and a scholar”. Literally not one person comes to mind who didn’t like him, NO ONE. He was that kind of guy!
He passed peacefully in his home, at 93 years young, with him family by his side – holding his hands and kissing his forehead, as he entered into the presence of the Lord. Ask anybody who knew him, and they would likely describe him as a “gentle soul”; one who loved all without judgement, and a very agreeable fellow. Even until his last breath, he would utter a “thank you” for even the slightest effort to keep him comfortable.
The Lord’s mercy brought Walter on an incredible and healthy journey for his first 91 years; the two years that followed brought health issues that served to bring forth a humbleness, a graciousness, and a gratefulness for his life and his family.
Walt was born in Hobokan (Union City), New Jersey on a hot summer day in mid-July. His parents were Henry and Madeline Dittmann, and they had two children - Walt and Lois. Walt was extremely close to his sister, Lois, and they shared a close bond throughout his life. He always wanted to be a pilot, so at 19 years old, he joined the Army Air Force – at the tail-end of WWII. He was Honorably Discharged in 1948. His paternal family moved to California, so he joined them after his discharge. His father was an artist and illustrator, and Walt’s talent took him in that same direction. Before moving to CA, he had studied at Pratt Institute in NYC, so when he arrived in San Francisco, he got a job at Roos Brothers (an upscale clothing store), doing their street window displays – wildly creative window displays. It was in the cafeteria at Roos Brothers where he met his first wife, Bernice “Bunny” Adams. Bunny’s mom worked at the cafeteria and knew that her daughter needed to meet this handsome man! God blessed them with 4 children, and they raised their children together in Santa Clara County. Walt and his sister, Lois, owned Dittmann’s Picture Framing in Saratoga, CA, and he became known as a reputable artist and picture framer until he retired. He met his second wife, Carolyn “Lee” Greenwood, in the frame shop after the divorce of his first wife, and they moved to Arizona after his retirement.
His talents were many – he sketched the designs for multiple houses, including the landscaping, throughout Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties and built them; some for profit and some in which to live. He remodeled many of his own homes and did much of the work himself. Walt was also a prolific painter. After the death of his second wife, he moved to North Carolina and designed the Anderson Chiropractic building in Holly Springs, NC.
Walter built lasting relationships - He was quick to say that he felt blessed in life by his family, and after two years of ongoing health problems, he said he was ready to meet his maker, Jesus, and the Lord took him peacefully. He is survived by his sister, Lois Chance (husband Bud), and his four children, Doug Dittmann (wife Amanda), Dave Dittmann (wife Regina), Dwight Dittmann, and Diane Manchester. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Erica Anderson (husband Chad), Daniella Dittmann, and Julia Blonshine (husband Will), as well as two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Alaric Anderson. He will be missed by a long list of nieces, nephews, stepchildren, in-laws, and numerous other extended family members whose lives he has impacted with his love and gentle nature.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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