Kenneth Dittrich

Kenneth "Kenny, Deek, Daddio" Dittrich, 75, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in Elgin on February 14th, 2026. Born February 21st, 1950, to Orville and Betty (Arens) Dittrich as the 5th of 15 children. Kenny was a Navy veteran (1968-1970) and a man who worked hard his entire life: Road Constructors ("Roadies"), running Ken Dittrich Trucking, and finally retiring to into his true calling: Professional Junk Man.

Kenny was always at "The Shop" or "The Farm," always ready to help anyone with a tool, a tire, a quick fix to their car, or just to shoot the shit. He was a sarcastic, stubborn wheeler-dealer who loved his world-class collection of "treasures" and just wanted to make his 10%, but he always made sure he made a fair deal.

Besides finding a mother load of junk, family and friends were his world. He married Peggy Gunderson in August 1971, who gave him his two favorite daughters, but they later divorced. He was immensely proud of those girls. They enjoyed Friday nights out to eat, Fish Frys (if there was any left), going to church, driving around the countryside stopping at stranger's houses trying to buy junk, dinners at Elba house, driving the interesting vehicles he would find for them, and just enjoying his unique outlook on life. His only grandchild Addi "JIBS" was the light of his life and put a smile on his face every time he saw or talked about her. He loved watching her play her sports. He knew she would do great things and she definitely has his confidence and stubbornness. He adored his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and wanted to be there for them for anything they needed. He was a loyal friend. He gave a nickname to all his favorites, and you know who you are. He would be there for you at the drop of dime, take road trips, come to family dinners, come visit if you were down or sick, work on projects with you or for you, or just drink beer with you.

He loved cake (angel food, Aunt Ellie's and Whoopi), dog beers, Busch Light, a steak cooked just right (really, really, really rare) Gunsmoke, magic hampers, Friends, a hundred onions on his pizza, free fish and elk meat and chocolate chip ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Larry, his infant son, and his mother and father. He is survived by his favorite daughters, Camy (Brian) Iverson, Carie (Craig Kobey) Dittrich, and beloved granddaughter Addison "Jibs" Iverson. His loving partner Pauline Peterson. His long-time dear friend Susan Schmidt. His brother and sisters, Diane Amos, Pat Dittrich-Taylor, Donald (Janet) Dittrich, Janice (John) Timm, Allen Dittrich, Marcella (Tony) Schmidtknecht, Joe (Julie) Dittrich, Doreen (Brian) Kronebusch, Joan (Kevin) Luhmann, Arlene Fenske, Carla Speltz, Pamela Dittrich, Douglas Dittrich and many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Saint Joachim Catholic Church, 900 W Broadway, Plainview, MN. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home, 57 3rd Street SW, Plainview, MN, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary's Oakridge Cemetery in Rollingstone, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saint Joachim Catholic Church.