Jennie Dittbrender

Jennie unconditionally gave of herself and humbly lived her life to serve God and her beloved family. There was nothing she wouldn't do to make another happy and her positive outlook was contagious to all she knew.

Jennie Hettinga was born April 4th 1913, the daughter of the late Siebren and Johanna (TePaske) Hettinga, at the Forestville Reformed Church parsonage. On October 5th 1935, she was united in marriage to Arthur Walter Dittbrender. Together, Jennie and Arthur raised their five children and farmed for 35 years in the town of Ringle.

A lifelong member of New Hope Community Church, formerly Forestville Reformed Church, Ringle, she was active in the Ladies' Aide and shared her talent of singing with the church choir. Jennie was an active member of the Ringle Homemaker's Organization.

She treasured spending time with her entire family and babysitting her grandchildren was one of her greatest pleasures. Jennie was also always eager to play a good game of cards or take a trip to town. In her later years she found enjoyment watching game shows and tackling a good Search-a-Word.

Philippians 4:12 were the words by which Jennie lived her life. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

On Friday, May 18th, 2012, Jennie Dittbrender passed away peacefully, at home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, and went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was 99 years old.

Jennie will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Julie (Melvin) Postler, Ringle, WI, Arthur (Sherry) Dittbrender, Asheville, NC, Harvey Dittbrender, Wausau, and Gene (Ellen) Dittbrender, Leesville, LA; 15 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Bischke, Harvard, IL, Catherine Kashuta, Minnesota, and Mildred Hettinga, Harvard, IL; son-in-law, Jim Holtom; and other family members and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, in 1984; daughter, Donna Holtom; and four siblings, Della Petersen, Agnes Street, Robert Hettinga, and Andrew Hettinga.

A celebration of Jennie's life will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 25th, at New Hope Community Church, Wausau. The Reverend Dan Eisnor will officiate. Burial will follow in Forestville Cemetery, town of Easton. Family will receive guests at the church, on Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

A heartfelt 'thank you' to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice for their concern and caring efforts provided to Jennie.