Wilma Eleanor (Bennett) Ditlevson, 88, died Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service chapel, with visitation to precede at 1 p.m. The Rev. Joyce Lawlor will officiate. Ashes will be scattered at a later date by family.

Wilma was born Oct. 2, 1928, in Albert Lea, to William and Martha Bennett. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1947, where she was involved in yearbook and sports.

Wilma worked at Lesota Tools until the birth of her first child.

Wilma was united in marriage with John A. Ditlevson on Jan. 27, 1951. In 1953, the couple moved to the Ditlevson family farm in rural Clarks Grove, where they partnered in farming for over 50 years. When the children were older, Wilma returned to her love of softball, where she pitched in the fastball city league.

Wilma also enjoyed family picnics hosted at the farm, where many sports were enjoyed.

Survivors include daughters Roxann Ditlevson of Seattle, Marsha (Lynn) Reynolds of La Crescent, Dawn (Curt) Kozitka of Detroit Lakes and Joyce Lawlor of Milwaukee; sons Andrew (Mary) Ditlevson of Sauk Rapids; and Jay Ditlevson of Minneapolis; four grandsons, Mike (Lauren) and Ben (Brandi) Reynolds and Paul and Mark Kozitka; granddaughter, Emma Ditlevson; and great-grandchildren Nicole, Jacob and Avery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 2009; brothers Harry, Walt,

Ellsworth and Merrill Bennett; sisters Phyllis Bennett and Lorrie Kelly; and numerous in-laws.

The family wishes to thank Wilma’s physician Dr. Joseph Caron and staff at Golden Living Center for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice.