Dick Ritthaler

Wilburn James Ritthaler 95, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Tuesday, March 16, 1915, in Moundridge, Kansas, the son of Philip and Rose Kathryn (Morlock) Ritthaler. He departed this life at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2010, at the Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center.

His young life at home was shared with his brother Carl and two sisters, Louise and Ruby. He received the nickname of "Dick" as a small child and went by it for the rest of his life. Dick was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Moundridge and later became a member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church where he remained an active member until present day.

Dick graduated from Moundridge High School in 1932 as the Vice-President of his Senior Class.

Dick was united in marriage to Vendla Petersen on December 2, 1935 in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and celebrated nearly 69 years of life and love together. They lived there and raised their family of three children; Barbara Ann, Richard Allen and Linda Rae. She preceded him in death on November 14, 2004.

Dick was employed by the Moundridge Milling Company and hauled flour for several years. After working for Lake City Arsenal during the war, he was a signalman for the Kansas City Terminal Railway at Union Station. Dick was the shop foreman where he repaired and maintained equipment for the signal department. He retired from the railroad in 1980. Dick has fully enjoyed his 30 years of retirement.

Dick was an honest, hard working man who loved to work with his hands. He could fix absolutely anything! This special gift brought many people to his door. He loved his garage and spent many hours there tinkering on cars and lawnmowers. His garden was a favorite spot and he was always anxious to start his planting early. He had a special gift for growing great tomatoes and cucumbers. He especially enjoyed having his grandchildren help pick the beans and tomatoes. Dick loved the Lord and faithfully supported his church his entire life. He and Ven were there when the doors were open and were willing to serve wherever they needed help. His positive outlook and friendly nature influenced all who knew him.

We celebrate Dick's long wonderful life and he will be deeply missed by all.

Dick was also preceded in death by one daughter Barbara; grandson, Scott, his brother Carl and one sister Ruby Armstrong.

Survivors include his son Richard of Pleasant Hill; his daughter Linda and husband Todd of Clinton, Illinois; his sister Louise Kohler of Harrisonville, Missouri; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday evening, June 16, 2010, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

Graveside services were held Friday, June 17, 2010, at the Mound Township Cemetery in Moundridge, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

To those who have offered prayers, sent flowers, brought food, stopped by to visit, and have in so many other ways shown kindness and loving support to us in our time of need, the family is very grateful.