I am so sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. Although I have not seen him in many years I will always remember him for his great sense of humor and infectious laugh.  He also played a mean game of pool and was a great all around athlete. God rest his soul 

Diane and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you at this time. Russ brought so much joy and laughter to everyone he met. He will be missed.
Sincerely, 
Wendy

  With  deepest condolences to Russ Ditmans beloved family.
Kathy & Kevin, you are in my many prayers and precious  memories. 
With all of our love,
Tamara Case-Belich
Family of Lola Case



I have known Russ since 1970.  I enjoyed watching him as an athlete, attending many "club dances" and after parties.  Russ was a joy to be around. That same joy continued as I had the privilege of coaching Jeff and Ryan.  Russ was a devoted father, baseball Dad and a cherished friend. I will carry memories of Russ forever, as I am grateful to have known him.
 My sincerest condolences Jeff and Ryan.
  Dan Belich

Diane and Family,

Russ was a true Wildcat. His love for athletics and bleeding blue and gold was contagious, I will never forget those big hugs and his larger than life personality! In our prayers, Frank Johnson Family

Russ was a constant in our sports community growing up. He and my Dad have known each other for most of their lives, and I don't have a memory at sporting events when Russ wasn't there. I am so sorry for this huge loss to the family, and community.  

My condolences to the family and friends of Big Russ.  We shared plenty of good times and ball games in our old northside Virginia neighborhood.  Russ, his sister Kathie and the family moved to Duluth in the late 60s, where they spent their high school years and built their adult lives.  I was fortunate to reconnect with Russ during those "softball summers" in the 70s and 80s.  He will be remembered often and with fondness.  The world is a lesser place without him in it. 

To Diane and Family: May your sorrows be softened by the cherished memories that you will forever hold close to your hearts. Thinking of you in your time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Diane and the Family!! Brad Beckman, Hudson , Wisconsin. 

We have so many happy memories of Russ.  He was such a fun and dear person. We are go sorry for your loss. God’s speed, Russ. You will be missed.

I’ve known “Ditts” since the Heydays of Duluth Slowpitch Softball when I played for Last Chance Liquor, Twins Bar, Lofdahl’s Bar  over the decades 70’s, 80’s & 90’s! Especially the Bucko’s / PaPa G’s-Courthouse Battles back in the early 80’s! “Ditts” played for  Congress Bar, Bucko’s Bar & The Limit Bar! You always respected his hitting power & also a great 1st Baseman! But most of all! What a Stand-up Individual! My  condolences to Kathy (the female “Ditts”) & the Immediate Family. RIP Ditts.



I think back to earlier days when we were young and are biggest worry was having fun!
Although living in Tennessee now and not seeing Russ for several years i do still recall the friendship we had in high school and through the years following.
Words cannot express my sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time.

I met Russ when we both began UMD in the fall of 1973. I was a Denfeld kid and he was from Morgan Park so we talked a common language. Over games of smear in "The Pit", we became instant friends, played intramural basketball and dated nursing students together, had loads of laughs, and once bought a case of Buckhorn to sit and watch the Bobick-Norton fight in my parent's basement only to have Bobick knocked out in the first round with all that beer left to drink! He was in my wedding in 1978 and though we walked separate paths, we remained lifelong friends. A gentle giant with an infectious smile. The world has lost a wonderful man.
My best to the family in this difficult time. 
Judge Mark Munger

I was so saddened to see that Russ passed away.  Russ and I  were in the class of 1973 at Morgan Park.  He was such a kind and funny guy who was fun to be around.  

My deepest sympathy to Russ' entire family,
Denise



Thanks Diane for everything.  I am close to you because of Russ, and will always remain so.  Be at peace, with much love, Kevin.  

OBITUARY

Russell "Russ" J. Ditman

July 23, 1955 – November 19, 2018

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