David Michael Ditter

David M. Ditter, 72 of Devils Lake, formerly of Yakima and Seattle, Washington passed away on Friday, May 16, 2008 at his home under the care of Hospice and his wife, Betty. Mass of Christian Burial for David will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Robert Pecotte will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide the Honor Guard and the Rosary will be led by other members of the Knights of Columbus. Serving as Casket Bearers for David will be members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary Bearers will be Bob and Joyce Pirolo, Phil Schmaltz, Pius Kraft, Louie O’Brien, the dialysis nurses from Mercy Hospital and all Knights of Columbus members. Music will be provided by Peter A. Hager and JoDee Lagein. David Michael Ditter was born April 10, 1936 in Yakima, Washington to Dr. Frank J.A. and Maria (Hoffman) Ditter. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and attended all boys, Jesuit affiliation schools. He graduated from high school in 1955 and went on to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, graduating with a degree in Business. While at Gonzaga, Dave was a member of the university choir and ROTC. Dave also served in the Army Reserves for 10 years. He attended classes toward a Master’s in Business at Seattle University (forever Jesuit). After college, David worked as a salesman for New York Life for many years. He missed the Yakima Valley and moved there, starting a Real Estate business, which dealt mostly in sales of motels and hotels. Later he moved back to Tacoma and worked part-time as a driver for an airport transportation company. When he was younger, David was an avid skier and slalom racer, winning many medals for the White Pass Ski Resort team. David’s father was instrumental in starting this resort and David served on the Board of Directors for many years. David was instrumental in helping to start the youth soccer program in Yakima and coached for several years, even taking one team to Hawaii for a tournament. David was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a 4th Degree Knight and held several offices in the K of C. He was so proud of belonging to this organization. David served as a Eucharistic Minister in his church for several years. He was also a former member of the Elks, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs in the Tacoma area. While living in Devils Lake, Dave served on the Board of Directors for the Senior Center and was also very active in their many activities. Mostly, David loved the game of golf, playing 3 or 4 times a week (rain or shine) after his semi retirement, belonging to several leagues. Now Jesus will have to contend with him, as David really believes Heaven is a large golf course and he will be able to walk and play golf with his son-in-law, Boot Martin, who passed away in 2000, the same year Dave became paralyzed. David and Elizabeth “Betty” Schell-Anderson were married at SeaTac, Washington on November 5, 1993 after meeting at a dance. In 2002, David and his wife, Betty moved back to her home town of Devils Lake. For a few years, David stayed active in the Knights and having coffee with the Cenex guys and hunting on his stepson’s farm, until last year when he could no longer drive his car or get around because of worsening disabilities. Now may he rest in the peace of Christ. David is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Betty His children, Michael (Candice) Ditter of Gig Harbor, WA; Patrick (Janet) Ditter of Yakima, WA and Janet (Neil) Leverette also of Gig Harbor. Brother: John (Patricia) Ditter of University Place, WA Grandchildren: Chad and Mack Ditter; Hannah and Katelyn Ditter; Taylor and Kristin Leverette. Step Children: Gayla Martin, Dawn (Sonny) Abrahamson, Tammy Hoefert, Kirby Anderson, Scott (Tammy) Anderson, Lisa (Terry) Thue and Rhonda (Jeff) Russo. Twenty-three step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. Mother of the children, Michael, Patrick and Janet: Rose Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step son-in-law and golf partner, Boot Martin.