Mr. Leon Gale Ditto, age 80, of Carroll, IA, passed away on Sunday, December 07, 2025, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll.
Leon Gale Ditto was born on September 28, 1945, in Carroll, IA, to Glen and Thelma Lorraine Ditto and raised in Guthrie County on the family farm. Leon was baptized on April 21, 1946, at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. Leon also attended the Lone Star Presbyterian Church in Guthrie County, where he was later confirmed. He attended a small country school in Audubon County then Viola Center before graduating from Audubon Community Schools in 1963. On April 15, 1965, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA, Leon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Paulette Ann Benton. Together they raised two children, Donita and Darren, building a family rooted in love and dedication.
During Leon’s employment, he worked for Garst & Thomas Seed Company from 1963 – 1965 after graduation from high school. He then worked as a skilled welder for Emmert Manufacturing Company from 1965 – 1971. In 1971, he began his career with Thermogas performing sales and service. Leon demonstrated a strong work ethic and excellent safety awareness on the job. Through an acquisition by William Companies, Leon and Paulette relocated from Audubon to Portage, WI in spring of 1996. Upon retirement, Leon and Paulette returned home to Iowa in 2017 establishing residency in Carroll, IA.
Outside of work, Leon enjoyed quality time with family and friends. Leon loved to spend time in his garage and created original furniture, crafts and unique games for his family to enjoy especially at Christmas time. He cherished the grandchildren’s visits over the summer making many memorable moments. Over the years, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, puzzles, watching NASCAR and sports on TV. He passionately supported his beloved Hawkeyes and Packers.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Thelma Lorraine Ditto; father-in-law William (Bill) Benton and mother-in-law Ruth Benton Lauridsen.
Leon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Paulette of Carroll, IA; daughter, Donita and husband Tom Anderson of West Liberty, IA and grandchildren Riley of Des Moines, IA and Hadalyn of Fort Collins, CO; son, Darren and wife Lori Ditto of St. Louis, MO and grandchildren Donovan and wife Anna of Lee’s Summit, MO and Delaney of St. Louis, MO; his sister Linnet and husband Bob Nissen of Manning, IA; his brother Elden Ditto of Anita, IA; brother-in-law Rod Benton of Audubon, IA; sister-in-law Kathy Benton of Brookfield, WI; brother-in-law Brent Benton of Glidden, IA; cousins, nieces, nephew, and other relatives and friends.
The family of Leon Ditto appreciates the many expressions of sympathy. Everyone is invited to meet with the family in the church fellowship room following the committal service.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, IA, with Rev. Sheryl Puderbaugh officiating. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will follow the committal in the fellowship hall of the church.
A public visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday.
Memorials may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025 in memory of Leon Ditto and will be designated within the Audubon community at a later date by his family.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is entrusted with the arrangements.
