Jessia Lou Dittmer

Jessia Lou Dittmer, lovingly known as Jessie, passed away on February 7, 2025, in Oak Grove, Missouri, at the age of 76. Born on May 13, 1948 to Marvin and Geneva Kappelman, in Lafayette County, Missouri, she was a beacon of love and compassion throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Concordia High School in 1966 and later of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Jessie embarked on a fulfilling career in education. She devoted many years to teaching second grade in Concordia before embracing her greatest joy — motherhood. After her children reached school age, she joined the team at Clark's Fabrics in Higginsville, Missouri, and later worked at Special Occasions in Odessa until her retirement. Known by many for her exceptional sewing talents, Jessie cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime. She deeply valued the relationships she built over the years and cherished the families she encountered in her work.

Jessie's devotion extended beyond her professional life. In her heart of hearts, family was everything. She took immense pride in her three grandsons, Jonah, Micah, and Ayden, finding joy in helping with school projects and attending their sporting events. Jessie reveled in sharing stories about her grandsons, her pride shining brightly as she spoke of their accomplishments and adventures.

Married to her husband, David Dittmer, on July 1, 1967, they established their forever home in Higginsville in 1980. A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Jessie was baptized in May 1948 and confirmed in April 1962 at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Concordia, before joining the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Higginsville. Her beautiful voice graced the church choir for many years, bringing joy to those around her.

Jessie's nurturing spirit extended to her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, David; her son, Justin Dittmer (Amy); her daughter, Jana Salquero (Mike); her grandsons, Jonah Dittmer, Micah Dittmer, and Ayden Salquero; her brother, Chris Kappelman (Paula); along with nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Marvin and Geneva Kappelman.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Higginsville, Missouri, where family and friends will gather to celebrate the incredible life Jessie lived. The service will begin at 2:00 PM. Coffee, desserts and music to honor Jessie will be served immediately following the service in the church basement until 4:30pm.

A cremation burial in Higginsville City Cemetery will be held with immediate family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1501 Lipper St, Higginsville, MO 64037.

Jessie Lou Dittmer’s touch will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the honor to know her. Her legacy of love, service, and community will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, reminding us of the beauty of family, friendship, and the art of sewing that stitched the fabric of her life.