Norbert Ditterick

Norbert Ditterick, age 82 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Sunday, February 9, 2025 surrounded by family in Essentia Health-Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10:00 and the Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Friday, June 6 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 on Friday, June 6 at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery in Perham, MN.

Norbert George Ditterick was born October 6, 1942 at St. James Hospital in Perham, the son of Norbert J. and Lucille (Scheidecker) Ditterick. While Norbert’s father was in the service, the family made their home in Minneapolis, MN. Norbert then got a job with Wilcox Lumber Company and the family moved to Dent, MN before moving to Perham in 1959. Norbert attended St. Henry’s School and Perham High School, graduating in 1960.

Not wanting to be drafted, Norbert enlisted in the Army in September of 1961. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri for basic training and in 1962 was transferred to Germany due to the Berlin Crisis. He was part of the 7th Army with the missile battalion where he was a clerk, a truck driver, and had top-secret clearance as a carrier. It was in Germany in March of 1962 that Norbert went on a blind date to a friend’s wedding. That blind date was his future wife, Rose. While in Germany and courting Rose, they enjoyed traveling to various historical sites and meeting Rose’s family.

In September of 1963, Norbert came back stateside to Detroit Lakes and in November moved to Minneapolis and started applying for jobs. It was during this time that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Norbert got a job with Dayton’s in their camera department. While at Dayton’s, Norbert was able to meet many celebrity sports figures and got to know Donald and Bruce Dayton. On October 2, 1965, Norbert was united in marriage to Rosewitha “Rose” Klotzbach in Edina, MN. In 1967, Norbert and Rose welcomed a baby girl, Debra but sadly she died later that year. Their son, Curtis was born in 1968. In 1969, Norbert enrolled at Moler Barber School where he went through many months of training to become a barber. His first job as a barber was at Bloomington Barber Shop which was across the street from the Northstars arena and the baseball park. He was able to meet and cut hair for numerous Northstars and Twins players. While on his way to work one day, Norbert was stopped for speeding and issued a citation. This upset Norbert and soon he was looking for a place to work outside of the city.

In 1972, he, Rose, and Curtis moved to Lake Park, MN. Norbert started out in Lake Park renting a barber shop, but soon he purchased the lot along Highway 10 and built his own barber shop. Lake Park turned out to be a great fit for Norbert as he really enjoyed fishing, hunting, and tending to his vegetables. Norbert and Rose bought 23 acres along the Buffalo River just north of Lake Park in 1976 and built their home in 1978. Norbert always treasured his client relationships that he formed in and around Lake Park. In 2000, Norbert and Rose sold their home in Lake Park and moved to their home near Detroit Lakes. The couple started to travel more spending winters in Arizona. Since Arizona and Minnesota practiced reciprocity, Norbert was able to continue to cut hair during the winter months; he cut hair for people from around the world, making many new friends. He thoroughly enjoyed wintering in Tombstone, AZ and he and Rose traveled extensively. Norbert operated his barber shop until 2010 when Parkinson’s Disease forced him to retire. The couple enjoyed hosting visits to the States from Rose’s parents. They spent their 50th wedding anniversary with a cousin and visiting with Monks.

Norbert was a member of the Lake Park American Legion before transferring to the American Legion of Detroit Lakes. He was also a member of the Cormorant Lake Sportsman’s Club. Norbert was an avid outdoorsman, hobby beekeeper, and also enjoyed making custom fishing lures.

Preceding Norbert in death were his daughter Debra Patricia; his parents; his brother John J. “Jack”; and brothers-in-law Steven Kinnunen, Patrick Schmidt, and Dan Decowski.

Surviving Norbert are his wife, Rose; his son, Curtis (Jeanine); grandchildren, Max and Savannah; his four sisters, Pat Decowski, Judy Schmidt, Jan (Mark) Ditterick-Gerdes, and Cindy Kinnunen; his sister-in-law, Linda Ditterick; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly request that donations be made in Norb's honor to the Michael J. Fox Research Foundation.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10:00 and the Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 6 at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery in Perham.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com