Iona Dittmer

Iona (Misel) Dittmer, age 90, of Marshalltown, passed away late Tuesday night, December 15th, 2020 at UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown. Per the wishes of Iona and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral mass will take place on Monday, December 21st at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish – St. Henry Catholic Church, with a visitation held one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 A.M. All attendees are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines. For those unable to attend, the service will be available to view on the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/ . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Francis Parish or masses in Iona’s name or to Iowa River Hospice. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Iona and her family. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born Iona Marie Lohrer on May 21, 1930 on the family farm near Marengo, she was the daughter of Willis and Rose (Becker) Lohrer. Iona attended school in Norway, Iowa and graduated with the class of 1948. Iona was an incredibly hard worker, whether caring for her four children or outside of the home. Over the years, she worked at Amana Refrigeration, Mason Furniture, Dunham-Bush and eventually Fisher Controls, retiring in 1992. Even at home once the kids were grown, she always kept busy: cooking, baking, cleaning and tending to her flowers, especially her rose bushes. She was always on the go. Iona had a strong faith and was an active member of St. Francis of Assis Parish – St. Henry Catholic Church. She attended daily mass and was a faithful prayer warrior. It was here she met her husband, Marcus Dittmer and they were married on October 7, 2006. Iona was most known for her gentle yet outgoing personality and her giving heart. She was outgoing, never met a stranger and always put others before herself. She deeply loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 14 years, Marcus; her children: Sally (Doug) Kassuelke of Harlingen, TX, Darrell (Michelle) Misel of Houston, TX, Janet (Randy) Misel Breed of Marshalltown; stepchildren: Judy Weller (Jerry) of Ottumwa, Richard (Sue) Dittmer of Kellogg, Kathleen Goldberry of Riverside, TX, Denny Dittmer (Lynn) of Newton and Marvin Dittmer (Tina) of Newton; grandchildren: Holli (Ryan), Nickie (Dennis), Sam (Juliene), Lauren (Chad), Dewey (Heidi); 13 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris (Bill) Kurth of Williamsburg, her nieces and nephew. In death, Iona is reunited with her parents, Willis and Rose; her son, Robert Misel and recently her step-son-in-law, Dennis Goldberry.