Irene Dittrich

Irene Mary Dittrich, 96, of Waumandee, passed away peacefully listening to the Rosary Friday, June 19, 2026, at Saint Anne Benedictine of Winona. Irene was born on February 14, 1930, at home in the Town of Burnside, Independence, WI to Peter and Mary (Killian) Woychik. She attended the New City District School, the S.S. Peter and Paul Parochial, and graduated from the Independence High School class of 1948. After graduating high school, she found employment with the Independence Industries.

On June 6, 1951 she was united in marriage to Leonard Dittrich at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Irene joined Leonard in farming in rural Waumandee at the Anchorage Acres farm until 1988 when they retired to a nearby hobby farm. They continued to help on the farm which they sold to their son, Don. Irene and Leonard took great pride in farming. The couple enjoyed numerous trips sponsored by the local banks, but some of her most memorable were the pilgrimages to Rome, Greece, The Holy Land with Catholic tours, and to Poland and Hawaii with her daughters. Irene enjoyed volunteering at the Olde Schoole Shoppe and sewing numerous quilts that she donated to the school fundraiser. Irene also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and her flower gardens. She was a member of the St. Boniface Altar Society.

Irene is survived by her loving children, Marlene (Gary) Peterson, Allen (Denise) Dittrich, Joanne (Kevin) DeKeuster, and Donald (Billie) Dittrich; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; special niece, Sandy Ruben; and many more nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Leonard; brothers, Alphonse (Evelyn) Woychik, Edward Woychik, Albin (Margaret & Bernice) Woychik, and Marcus (Rita) Woychik; and sister, Caroline Woychik.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee with Reverend Albert officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery with a luncheon to follow in the Rippley Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Boniface Catholic School and Parish. To leave an online condolence for her family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.