Jeffrey Earl “Jeff” Ditgen, 77, of Hutchinson, died October 13, 2021, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born August 23, 1944, in Hutchinson, to Earl N. and Georgia E. (Caywood) Ditgen.
Jeff graduated from Nickerson High School in 1962, Sterling College in 1966, and received his master’s degree in special education from Emporia State University. He worked as a Pre-Vocational Coordinator for public schools in Phillipsburg, KS, Gurnee, IL, and Hutchinson USD 308 until his retirement. Jeff loved to hunt, play golf, and make wooden keepsakes for his family. He attended Union Valley Bible Church.
On April 9, 1983, Jeff married Pamela R. Hartshorn in Waukegan, IL. She survives.
Also surviving are: children, Jeffrey S. Ditgen and wife Karen of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Michelle Haluzak and husband John of Spring Grove, IL, Jennifer DeBoer and fiancé Cody Ward of Logan, Spencer Stevens and wife Candice of Almena, Tom Burnett of Topeka; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Brian Ditgen and wife Christy of Mission Viejo, CA; sister, Julie Grieman of Hutchinson; and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bill Grieman.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday, October 18, 2021, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Steve Hodgson officiating. Friends may sign Jeff’s memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
The service will be livestreamed and the link to view his service will be available in his obituary on the funeral home website beginning at 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Memorials are suggested to Parkinson’s Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.