Norma Dittman

Sheldon, Iowa

Funeral Services for Norma Dittman 88 of Sheldon who passed away on Thursday February 19, 2026 at Sanford Sheldon Hospital. Services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday February 25, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon. Father Siby Punnoose will officiate with burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sheldon. Visitation with the family present from 4 to 6 P.M. Tuesday February 24, 2026 with a Rosary service at 4 P.M. Tuesday all at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Norma C. Dittman, the daughter of Robert and Evelyn (Van De Pette) Lent, was born on December 5, 1937 in the Manhattan borough of New York City, NY. She received her education in the Philadelphia, PA school system and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1956. After high school she started her life serving military veterans as a member in the U.S.O.

On July 14, 1979 Norma was united in marriage to Francis Dittman in Sioux City, IA. Together the couple made their home on a farm near Boyden, IA. She loved being a homemaker and living the country life alongside him.

Norma was a member St. Patrick’s Church, St. Patrick Ladies Guild, Catholic Daughters of America, and Boyden American Legion Auxiliary. She had a strong faith in the Lord that led her to be active for decades in the Missionary Association making quilts, serving as a prayer partner to many children of the St. Patrick’s school and taking part in weekly rosary gatherings. In her free time, she enjoyed reading books, crocheting and as teddy bear fan, enjoyed the many teddy bears given to her over the years. She loved attending recitals, concerts, and sports events that involved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her children, Gail (Ray) Houfek of Yankton, SD; Patty (Marlen) Schieffer of Fordyce, NE; Ralph Richey Jr of Oregon; Roger Richey of Louisiana. Nine grandchildren, Raymond S. Houfek, Kimberly (Michael) Palu, Angela (Greg) Sudbeck, Emily (Preston) Leise, Allison Schieffer, Andrew Schieffer, Colton Schieffer, Sandy (Josh) Carlson, Chrissy (Chanh Nguyen) Richey, 20 great grandchildren, special friends Nancy Hetherington and Sean Garcia.

She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, her sister Virginia Lent, son Robert (Bob) Richey, granddaughter Mollie Schieffer, and grandson Robbie Richey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic School of Sheldon, IA.