Harry W. "Ward" Dittmar of Freeport, IL, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at Alden Park Strathmoor in Rockford, IL. He was born on February 14, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA, the second child of Harry Oscar Dittmar and Marilyn (Ward) Prinkey. Ward grew up in Thomson, IL, and graduated from Thomson High School. After high school, Ward enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1969-1973 in both Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Forks, ND, and at Incirlik Air Base in Ankara, Turkey.  He married Beth (Newman) Dittmar on August 17th, 1973, in Kewanee, IL, after meeting on a blind date. They lived in Freeport, IL, and raised two children, Heather (Dittmar) Naquin and Eric Dittmar. Throughout the years, Ward worked as a supervisor at Kelly-Springfield Tires, as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, and retired from Wahl Clipper Corporation in 2015. Ward was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL, serving in various roles such as elder, financial secretary, and Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. He enjoyed cycling in his younger years as well as a lifelong love of woodworking.

Ward is survived by his loving wife, Beth Dittmar, of Freeport, IL; his daughter, Heather (Russell) Naquin of Jonesboro, GA, and his son, Eric (Kathleen) Dittmar of Freeport, IL; four grandchildren, Olivia and Elijah Naquin of Jonesboro, GA, Madalynne and Jeremiah of Freeport, IL; as well as his sisters, Leslie Fagen, of Rock Island, IL, and Lori (Larry) Troester of Thomson, IL, as well as cherished siblings-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1993 West Church Street, in Freeport, IL.
Visitation will take place at the church at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held privately at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at Immanuel Lutheran Church and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.