Marlene M. Dittmer
Marlene M. Dittmer, age 64, of 3650 Deer Ridge Road, Quincy, died on Thursday, August 1, 2013 in Blessing Hospital after a courageous 8-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on April 11, 1949 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Edward and Evelyn (Rasek) Sohacki. She married Robert M. Dittmer on February 3, 1989. He survives. Marlene graduated from Andrean High School in Gary, Indiana in 1967, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Quincy College in 1971 and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Quincy University in 1997.
Marlene enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in a vocation she loved, teaching children. She taught at St. Francis grade school from 1971 – 1973, the Community Counseling Center Birth-to-Three Program from 1980 – 1989, St. Dominic Grade School from 1989 – 2005 and St. Peter Grade School from 2005 – 2010. She spent an additional year as the art instructor at St. Peter Grade School. She was a member of the Church of St. Peter.
Marlene was a gifted artist and musician. In addition to being an outstanding educator, she was well known for her creativity and generosity in sharing her artistry with friends and students. She introduced her students to a love of art by bringing unique projects into the classroom. Her students frequently won awards for their projects in local competitions. Marlene was also an accomplished clarinetist. In high school, she was selected to perform with the All-America Youth Orchestra touring in several South American countries.
In addition to her husband, Marlene in survived by Three children, Julie Hutmacher, Scott Hutmacher and Ryan Hutmacher all of Chicago; her brother: David Sohacki and his wife Eva of Atlanta, Georgia; and her sister, Donna Westforth and her husband David of Valparaiso, Indiana. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Marlene was preceded in death by her mother and father.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in the Church of St. Peter by Msgr. Leo Enlow. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Church of St. Peter. Memorials may be made to Quincy University or to St. Peter Fine Arts. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Thoughts and prayers to the Hutmacher clan. What a remarkable family!
Marlene was a large, wonderful part of my life when I was growing up, as she was my sister’s friend, and my friend, Donna’s, sister. In my thoughts she will always remain as a fun, vital woman, full of sparkle and life. I am grateful to have had her as part of my life. My deepest, sincerest sympathies to the entire family,
Jan
Your whole family is in our thoughts. Peace. Rosalyn & David Popham
Scott, Ryan, and family, I am so sad to hear of the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Always remember the good times you shared together and all of the fond memories through your life with her.