Elmer Henry Dittmer, 91, of Austin, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at Adams Health Care Center.

He was born April 24, 1922, in Plato, Minn., to Frederick and Frieda (Litzau) Dittmer. Elmer was raised on the family farm in Lester Prairie, Minn., attending public schools in Plato and rural Lester Prairie. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was also a member of the Minnesota National Guard. On Nov. 6, 1949, Elmer and Edythe M. Pinkava of Brownsdale, Minn., were married at the First United Methodist Church in Austin, where the couple remained faithful members. Elmer was employed by Hormel Foods Corporation, retiring in 1982 after 38 years of service.

Survivors include his wife Edythe Dittmer of Austin; two sons Allen (Jana) Dittmer of Caledonia, Minn., and Elwen (Donna) Dittmer of Owatonna; three grandsons David (Alyssa) Dittmer of Onalaska, Wis., Edward Dittmer of Owatonna, and Lucas Dittmer, also of Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Frieda Dittmer. Elmer will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. A private graveside service will be held for the family at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 23, with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.