Bernice A. Dittmer
Bernice Dittmer, age 97, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in her home, following an extended period of poor health.
Bernice was born September 12, 1928, daughter of Anselm and Clara (Bockhold) Blickhan of Quincy, IL. She married Donald Dittmer of Mendon, IL on April 22, 1950, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Quincy, IL.
In her early years Bernice worked at the dress factory and as a waitress at Sprouts Inn Restaurant. After marriage, she was a homemaker but also spent many hours helping Donald on the farm. She was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church. She taught religious classes for several years. She served for many years as an election judge for the Honey Creek Township. She was a 4-H leader for more than 10 years and helped many young girls learn how to sew. She was a member of the women’s auxiliary for the Adams County Beef Producers. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, tending flowers, and working with fruit trees. She had many interests including auctions, garage sales, and refinishing furniture. Many were the recipients of her homemade pies and homemade noodles. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and great grandmother.
Her children: Peggy M. Huhmann (Dennis) of Tipton, MO; Julia A Zimmerman (Wayne) of Camp Point, IL; and Linda J. Schafer of Godfrey, IL. Her grandchildren: Greg Huhmann (Emily) of Spokane, WA; Amanda Huhmann and her companion Jesse of Conway, MA; Daniel Huhmann (Marissa) of Germany; Renee Goldinger (Mark) of Hannibal, MO; Kelly Hutchings (Cole) of Katy, TX; Samantha Darr (Andrew) of Jerseyville, IL. Great grandchildren: Claire and Gracie Huhmann; Stella and Bridger Huhmann; Chase and Ella Goldinger; Logan and Leah Hutchings, and William and Ginny Darr. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald in 2016 and by an infant son James at birth in 1962; brothers Clarence of Quincy, IL; Tom of Palmyra, MO; Paul of Monticello, IL; John (Jack) of Mendon, and sisters Dorothy Glisan (Fred) of Quincy, IL; Emma Brueggeman (Joe) of Quincy, IL; and Virginia (Ginny) Schuering of Quincy, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Mendon, IL. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, IL. Visitation will be Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to St. Edwards Catholic Church, Mendon, IL or to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice. The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
On behalf of William Hilgenbrinck and family, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire and extended family on the passing of Bernice! For Peggy, Julia, and my fellow Unity High School classmate, Linda, we have many lovely memories of you all including Bernice and Donald as members of our St. Edward’s Church family. The entire family, always greeted us with warm smiles and kind words. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. May you all celebrate her long life of 97 years of being present in all of your lives!
Thank you so much for your kind tribute! The music was spot on with Mr Lask at the helm. A true celebration of life.
Bernice, you was 1 special lady! I thoroughly enjoyed the last year I got to spend with you! You are a lady of grace and dignity, and thats exactly the way you went out, with grace and dignity. You are now up with the Angel’s, right where you should be. Rest easy pretty lady! You will be remembered forever.
Mom thought so much of you. Thank You for all you did!
My deepest condolences to all of Bernice’s family..
Bernice & Donald were volunteers for us at the Log Cabin Village. After Donald passed away Bernice continued to volunteer – most often at the Hull cabin. She would step in where need – sometimes at the last minute, just to help out. She continued to volunteer up until her health prevented it. She was a pleasant warm person, I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know her. Condolences to the family.