Deane Ritter

A Celebration of Life for Deane Ritter, 92, Winnebago, MN will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service of Truman. Deane died on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Valley Vue Care Center, Armstrong, IA with his children at his side. Private Graveside Services will be held at a later date at Nashville Cemetery, rural Winnebago, MN. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 from 7:30-9:00 pm at Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service of Truman. Deane Ritter was born on the family farm in Center Creek Township, Martin County, MN on December 8, 1922 to J.D. and Christea (Hickok) Ritter. He graduated from Huntley High School and attended Mankato State College before joining the US Navy in 1943. On September 1, 1943 he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Schofield in LeCenter, MN. The couple made their home on the same farm in Nashville Township since their marriage. Kathryn passed away on June 9, 1995. Deane served on several boards, was active as a 4-H Leader with his children and friends. Deane had many interests including fishing, sheep shows and sales, his love for his livestock and raising purebred Suffolk Sheep and for every animal, great and small. Above all else, his love and passion for Farming, Family and Friends. Deane is survived by his children; Lynn (Pat) Ritter of Zumbrota, MN, Kenneth (Diane) Ritter of Winnebago, MN, LuAnn Ritter of Jackson, MN; six grandchildren, Jeff (Brenda), Michael (Julie), Jennifer (Rodney) Steffes, Dan (Melanie), Scott (Crystal), Kevin (Angie); thirteen great grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Ritter Stusse of Fairmont, MN and many nieces and nephews. Deane was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; his parents; one brother, Alden Ritter; one sister, Faye Ritter Garlick. A special thank you to the staff and employees at Valley Vue Care Center for the love and care you gave Dad every day. Memorial contributions may be given to the Nashville Cemetery Association.