Howard D. Ritter, son of Roy and Lettie Rohrdanz Ritter, was born February 26, 1928, on the family farm 2 ½ miles east of Reasnor. He was the fourth generation to live on the farm.

Howard attended McKinney Country School and graduated from Newton High School in 1946. On November 11, 1951, he was united in marriage to Joyce Otten. They made their home on the family farm until moving to Pella in 1988. To this marriage five children were born: David, Dale, Dean, Helen, and Wayne. Howard and Joyce were married for 58 years.

Howard raised, showed, and sold registered Angus cattle. Howard was a former member of the Reasnor United Methodist Church, lay leader and member of the Kilduff United Methodist Church. He also served as President of the Jasper County Angus Association and as leader of the Kilduff Hot Shots.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; and children: Dale and Ellen Ritter of Newton, Iowa; Dean Ritter of Columbia Heights, Minnesota; Helen and Tim O'Connor of Woodstock, Illinois; and Wayne and Nora Ritter of Sully, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister Mrs. Robert (Lucy) Crom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son David, and a sister Dorothy Horman.

FUNERAL SERVICES

10:30 A.M., Friday, April 23, 2010
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

PRIVATE FAMILY GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Before the Funeral Service,
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sully Cemetery

VISITATION

After 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 22, 2010
with family present 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Hospice of Pella
United Methodist Church of Pella

FAMILY

Wife: Joyce Ritter - Pella, Iowa
Children: Dale (Ellen) Ritter - Newton, Iowa
Dean Ritter - Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Helen (Tim) O'Connor - Woodstock, Illinois
Wayne (Nora) Ritter - Sully, Iowa

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