Bob Dittmann

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Robert (Bob) L. Dittmann, 92, of Pittsburg, passed away in his home on Thursday February 16th while surrounded by his loved ones.

Bob was born on January 27th,1925 in Frontenac KS to Fred and Mary (Coillot) Dittmann. Upon his graduation from Frontenac High School in 1942 he began his service to his country during WW11. He served in Okinawa until the end of the war, and was honorably discharged in 1946. Once the war was over, Bob returned to the Frontenac/Pittsburg area. In 1946, he began taking classes at what is currently PSU and working part-time for the Decker Insurance Agency. 

In 1949, he was united in marriage to Betty (Caldwell) Dittmann at the United Methodist Church in Frontenac KS. They were married for 56 years, until Betty’s death in 2015. Bob eventually purchased the Decker Insurance Agency. He enjoyed working as the owner of Bob Dittmann Insurance for 68 years, starting in 1946. He was passionate about people and worked until his health forced him to retire in 2014. He had formed a successful partnership with the Allied Insurance Company that remains to this day. During his career, he received numerous awards for his milestone accomplishments. He was proud to have run a successful business for over 60 years at the same location on 5th Street. Bob was an avid supporter of the Pittsburg YMCA. He was a member of the business men’s noon basketball league. He was actively involved during the building of the current YMCA. For many years you could find him at the Y playing pickup basketball or enjoying the company of his many friends. He was member of the YMCA Board of Directors and a past president. He was also a member of the Frontenac VFW and The First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. 

Bob is survived by his four children: Steve Dittmann, wife Stephanie, of Lawrence KS, Cindy Elmer, husband Don, of Pittsburg, Debbie Stringer, husband Dr. Robert, of Joplin, MO, and Nancy Bollinger, husband Kip, of Pittsburg. He has seven grandchildren and two step grandchildren: Lisa & Fred Elmer, Dr. Scott, Katie, Kellie, & Lauren Stringer, Samantha Bollinger, Stephanie Knisely and AJ Elmer. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, both parents, and three siblings: Jacob Dittmann, Marjorie Jackson and Dorothy Mendicki. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday February 25th, at the Brenner Mortuary with Rev. Mark Chambers officiating. The family will begin receiving friends at 12:00 with the celebration of life to follow. Per his wishes, Bob was cremated. A private family burial will be held in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church or The Pittsburg Family YMCA. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg KS 66762 Friends may also send condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.