Arlene Dittus

Arlene Fay Dittus (67) went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 24th, 2020. Her funeral will be 1:00 pm, Tuesday, December 1st at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.   www.hafh.org

Arlene was born on August 3rd, 1953, to Herbert and Freida Klein in Ashley, ND. She grew up on the family farm just north of Lehr, ND, until they moved into town during her high school years. She graduated from Lehr Public School in 1971. Later, she married Jack Dittus and they moved to Fredonia, ND. Together, they had two children; Kari and Jody.

Arlene’s life adventures took her to several places across North Dakota and allowed her to do the things that she loved most. She worked at various nursing home facilities, was a school cook at Kulm Public School, a cook at the Kulm Café, managed the Fredonia Café, and was able to put her bookkeeping skills to use at various companies throughout the years. Not only did this give her the opportunity to care for others and do what she loved most while using her talents, but also allowed her to form many meaningful, lasting friendships. Her love for small town living and the beauty of the outdoors most recently had led her and her dog, Charlie, to their home in Belfield, ND. She adored Charlie and the two of them were inseparable. He was never too far away from her, but his favorite place was in her lap.

Arlene was happiest when spending time with her family. She treasured them most of all. The best gift for her would be to have them all together at once. She was blessed with five grandchildren; Bri (Andy) Gimse, Braydon Johnson, Cody Goda, Raelynn and Asher Means, two great grandchildren; Bentley and Olivia Gimse, and another great-granddaughter on the way. Arlene also enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, and knitting. She showed her love for others through the gifts she would make. Whether it was a blanket she made for you or a home cooked meal, the warmth and love could always be felt. Her caramel rolls, dumplings, knephla soup and strudels were some family favorites that will always be treasured and passed on for generations.

In 2017 Arlene contracted the West Nile Virus which changed the way she lived her life but didn’t change who she was. Despite the challenges that came with this diagnosis, she always hung on to her positive outlook, strong faith and ability to make those around her laugh through her sense of humor. Her beautiful smile and spirit were an inspiration to so many throughout her journey. While we miss her greatly here on earth, we know that Arlene is now able to share and enjoy the things that she loves most in heaven until we can join her again.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Freida Klein. She is survived by her daughter, Kari (Eric) Means of Willmar, MN; son, Jody Dittus of Golden Valley, ND; brother, Delmer Klein of Bowman, ND; sister, Dorothy (Robert) Nelson of West Fargo, ND; and sister, Charlene (Gene) Pfeifer of Pullman, WA; five grandchildren, and soon to be three great-grandchildren. Arlene is also survived by several nieces, nephews, dear friends and her loving dog, Charlie.

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