Tom Dittrich
10/09/1967 – 06/29/2023
I wanted to share some news with you, albeit with a heavy heart. Sadly, my beloved dad, Tom Dittrich, passed away recently, leaving behind a deep void in mine and others lives. While it’s tough for me to put into words just how much he meant to our family and me, I wanted to take a moment to remember and celebrate his incredible life.
Dad was more than just a father; he was my hero, mentor, and best friend. He had an amazing sense of humor, always cracking jokes that could make anyone burst into laughter. Whether it was the way he told stories or his silly pranks, he had a unique ability to lighten the mood and bring joy to any situation. His infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook on life continue to resonate within our family, reminding us to live each day to the fullest.
Many of you knew him for his passion for construction such as plumbing, operating, and driving dump truck, which he wholeheartedly pursued. He was a true enthusiast, always willing to share his knowledge and experiences with others. His dedication and commitment to being a “straight up guy” were truly inspiring, and he instilled in me those values that I will carry with me forever.
Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult time. Your support and kind words have already brought us comfort, and we appreciate every single gesture of love and sympathy. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary man, let’s also cherish the memories we’ve shared with him, knowing that he will forever remain in our hearts.
If you feel like reaching out or want to share a memory or story about Tom, please don’t hesitate to do so in the comments below. Your anecdotes will help us remember him and the impact he had on all our lives.
Thank you all for your love, support, and understanding during this challenging time. Let’s come together as a community and honor the memory of a remarkable man who touched so many lives.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dave Gruentzel
Celebration of Life
Root River Center
September 23rd
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The celebration of life for Tom, is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at the Root River Center in Franklin from 2 PM to 5 PM in the sports bar.
Support Tom's Family
The funds will help with any expenses for Tom’s passing.
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Support the Wisconsin Humane Society
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to Wisconsin Humane Society in memory of Tom. He was a huge animal lover and supporter of the Wisconsin Humane Society. This gesture will allow us to continue his legacy of compassion and generosity, and make a positive impact in the lives of animals and others, just as he did.
12 Responses
Tom was a Good Guy, We helped each other out on many Plumbing jobs over the years… He was a hand shake and at his word deal maker, not too many of Us around anymore… He will be missed, I was Blessed to have known him… Rest in Peace Brother,
Rob Widowski
To the Dittrich Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Please have peace knowing that Tommy
Is no longer in pain and is “Happy”.
For you Tommy,
Everyone knew the love you had for your Mother, Son, daughter-in-law, and your Granddaughter…along with the love of your pets.
We also knew the deep seeded pain you were carrying from the ones who abused you.
When you needed a “hand up” you felt undeserving.
Tommy you were one of the most deserving I know.
The trucking and construction family will miss your humor, willingness to work ( even when you were sick) and your copilots Simmon and Junior.
May you rest in peace Tommy.
The entire LePine Family.
Tom has been in my life as far back as I can remember. He was a huge part of my life growing up around the farm and was constantly making us kids laugh. Always around to help us with our dirt bikes, four wheelers, go carts and anything that had wheels and a motor for us to beat up on the farm. Always kind and willing to teach I looked up to him growing up. He gave me one of my first real jobs plumbing with him and tought me so much about how to put in a hard days work and the reward of it. I can honestly say i would not be the person i am today without uncle Tom in my life. It will be hard to see family without him around cracking jokes and making our get togethers so much more enjoyable. He always treated me with the most love and kindness which I can also see in the people closest to him.
Our family lost a great person but gave us so much in the time we had with him.
My thoughts are with you and your family Cousin. I know gow much you meant to each other.
Love you Tom
My condolences to Tom’s family and friends. We will miss a great guy. I know him through work. He was my friend and I always enjoyed our conversations. He was an honest and outspoken man with a great heart and love animals and people.
May you rest in peace.
First of all “thank you David” for the beautiful tribute of your beloved Father.
Our family cried and chuckled at times viewing his legacy video.
The video is outstanding.
So pure and honest.
Thank you David.
It took a few days to process the unexpected death of Tommy.
What a great man. So funny and caring.
We are proud to call him our friend.
Tommy made people laugh.
When he arrived in our yard, you just knew there was going to be a funny story to be heard.
One of our best stories he shared was when he blew his nose.
It sounded like a cross between a freight train and a goose.
Tommy mentioned when he was in school, the teacher asked him to refrain from blowing his nose because it was a distraction.
Tommy had a cold so blowing his nose was necessary.
So Tommy was asked to sit in the hallway.
The blowing continued but now much louder, until he was asked to leave the school property.
It was a funny story.
With many more stories to share.
Tommy helped so many people in various ways.
You are unforgettable Tommy.
Friendships never end.
Donna LePine and Family.
I met Tom on a job site in Milwaukee many years ago. I too have the pleasure of bringing g my dog to work sometimes…. Tommy was a sweet man. We are so deeply saddened at Balestrieri to hear of his passing. I know that we will join together in eternity, there is no doubt in my mind where Tom’s soul now rests.
🤟🏼✝️🌈🐶
Not sure the exact year of meeting Tom, knew him back his plumbing apprenticeship days with Adkins Plumbing, then worked with him numerous times afterwards, always enlightening.
Never a dull moment. Will be missed.
I love my cousin Tommy, since he was a little guy!! Very many great memories with our family get togethers. He made me laugh. He always talked me into fun things and he had so much knowledge about all things. He wore his heart on his sleeve and never held back his opinion. Hard hard worker. He wanted my Monte Carlo because it was so cool to him. So many memories. My Mom Enid and my sister Jackie, Glenn and family is very saddened by this and I’m so glad I got to talk two him weeks before! I’m so sorry for your loss, sending hugs to everyone from us. Hope to see you soon! Love Dawn ❤️
I was looking for a dump truck, driver and Bruce and Donna gave me Tom’s number. Tom worked for me for a number of years and I helped him get set up with his own truck and the rest is a fond memory. Tom kept in touch with me and we helped each other out when we could. From his comical demeanor, to the occasional smart ass comment, and him stopping at the house with his little dog, he will be missed.
TOM one of the kinds. God broke the mold when he gave us Tom, we are all blessed to know him. Hès golden hart his honest soul his sense of humor, golden word hard worker & great Frend. I miss him every day his Birthday is coming up.
October 9Th I will always remember that day when he came in my office and said today is the greatest day in the history, I said did I miss something in the history he said no it my birthday. you will aways live in my heart love you miss you may you rest in peace.
I am “Cousin Tommy’s” cousin; his Uncle John’s daughter. We were raised in CA, so only saw him during summers & family reunions at his mom & dad’s farm. My brother Jay was the closest to him, and we are so sad to hear of his passing. To make matters worse, we see his dad (Uncle Jerry), and his other uncle, our Uncle Buz, have all passed away, seemingly in quick succession.
Our deepest sympathies for your family.
Here’s a photo I took of Tommy at Cathy’s wedding in the 80s. Such a handsome guy!