Darrell Eugene Dittberner

LODI/MADISON-Darrell Eugene Dittberner, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at his home. Darrell was born in Lodi on July 15, 1951 the son of Elvin and Dorothy (Schwenn) Dittberner. Darrell attended Lodi High School. During those years he excelled at basketball and received the nickname "Cazzie" after the well-known basketball player/coach "Cazzie Russell". Darrell also was an excellent golfer in high school. He continued his love of golf through-out his life achieving awards and making several holes in one. Darrell served in the U. S. Navy as a medic during the Vietnam War Era. Darrell was a life-long Washington Redskins football fan.  He enjoyed golfing vacations to San Diego, CA and his latest trip to the nation's capital of Washington D.C. Darrell followed politics closely and was truly intrigued by the life and works of President John F. Kennedy and his families. Darrell had a huge love for life, his family and friends.  Darrell would open his heart and arms to anyone in need. Darrell is survived by his siblings, Karen Mehne, Laguna Beach, CA, Curtis (Eva) Dittberner, Manchester, CT, Michelle "Mitzie" (Charles) Manley, Portage and Joe (Julie) Dittberner, Lodi ; nephew, Beau Dittberner, Lodi; nieces, Molly Dittberner, Sun Prairie and Tess Dittberner, Madison; two aunts, Mrs. Florence Markgraf, Prairie du Sac and Mrs. Violet Taylor, Santa Rosa, CA and other relatives and friends. Darrell was very proud to be a brother-in-law and special Uncle to Beau, Molly and Tess. Darrell was a wonderful brother.  He had a heart of gold. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends. Memorial Services will be held at NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 310 Millston Ave., Lodi, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015.  with Pastor Mitch Falk presiding. Inurnment will follow at Dekorra Lutheran Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to say thank you to the staff at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran's Hospital in Madison for the compassion and wonderful care they provided for Darrell. Memorial's for Darrell may be made to the Badger Honor Flight program. Darrell you will be missed by all. You will always be loved. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Hamre Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street, Lodi (608)592-3201