Steven Edward Ditterline, 71, died at 11:20pm Saturday February 5, 2022 at SLU Hospital after a brave battle against cancer. Born October 23, 1950 in Alton, IL, he was the son of the late Tom and Lois (Renner) Ditterline.

Steve proudly served in the US Marine Corps from 1969-1973 and was stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State and Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. He continued his service to his country for 40 years as a cartographer and airfield analyst at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in the Department of Defense. He was most proud of his work supporting the troops during the Gulf War and received several commendations. His maps were also used for NASA space missions.

On April 5, 1974 he married Patricia Barnes at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Alton, IL. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, along with his daughter Sarah (Tom) Riley and granddaughter Shannon of Glen Carbon, IL and sister-in-law Billie Barnes of Wood River, IL. He was a proud father and grandfather and loved spending time with his family, especially the father-daughter-granddaughter trips to the zoo in the winter. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent time birdwatching, hunting and fishing. He had many hobbies over the years including photography, motorcycles, rugby, stock cars and golfing with the Fat Boys.

Cremation rights have been accorded and per Steve's wishes, there will be no services. Treehouse Wildlife Center will release an animal back to the wild in his honor this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Treehouse Wildlife Center in Dow, IL.