Kathleen F. (Gerlach) Dittmar, age 85, of rural Elizabeth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center, Dubuque, IA.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Schapville, IL, where funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m.,Monday, with Rev. James Mehltretter officiating. Burial will be held in Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Cemetery.

Kathleen was born on July 5,1940, in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Harold J. and Leona M. (Whittington) Gerlach. She was united in marriage to David C. Dittmar, on April 25, 1964, at the Schapville Lutheran Church.

Kathy was formerly employed at Atwoods, in Stockton, IL, the former Elizabeth Nursing Home, Valves and Controls in Hanover, IL, and operated her own Ceramic Shop for several years.

She was a fabulous baker and cook known for her homemade jellies and jams, and her homemade Crème Puffs. Kathy had a special way of attracting the hummingbirds with her own special touch. She was very kindhearted and giving and family came first.

Surviving is her husband, Dave; one sister, Marian Koester, of Elizabeth, IL;  sister-in-law, Linda Gerlach, of Lena, IL; numerous nieces and nephews, amongst them Steve (Cindy) VanRaalte, Stewart (Julie) VanRaalte and Mindy VanRaalte.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Leona;  two sons, Danny and Carl VanHorn; siblings, Larry (Pat Etheridge) Gerlach, Gerald Gerlach, Charlotte (Jerry) Klopping, Michael Gerlach;  brother-in-law, James Koester; and two nephews, Timothy Koester and Rusty VanRaalte.

The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound, IL is assisting the family.