Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Aug 26, 1941 - Jun 24, 2019
Barbara and my deepest sympathies for the Ritz family at this difficult time. My family also lived around the corner from Mr Ritz and his clan and I can still remember secretly entering the back of his truck with Greg. It remains one of the magical smells of my childhood and my connection to the wonderful Ritz family and the candy man of Charleston IL. I have so many memories Bob Ritz and his family on 12th Street.
Alfie Swartzbaugh
June 29, 2019 | Neighbor
Teresa and family, thoughts and prAyers are being sent from the McNary family. A lot of memories on 12th street.
Sincerely,
Debbie, Vicki, Wanda and Richard
Debbie Gamble
June 27, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Neighbor
Our sympathy to wife and family. Remember good times together with Bob and Allen many years ago when our parents visited. Would like to hear from Allen
Gene and Donna ( Hahn) Schackmann
June 27, 2019 | Newton, IL | Friend
Remembered By
Gene&Donna Schackmann
June 27, 2019 | Newton, IL
Our sympathy to the Ritz family. We remember visiting and seeing Bob at all of the kids activities. And of course hearing stories of free candy at the Ritz house. Our sincere thoughts are with you all as you celebrate a wonderful person.
Roger and Barb Haberer
June 27, 2019 | Mattoon, IL
So sorry for your loss.
Kathy Thonas
June 27, 2019
Deb,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joy
Joy Moriarty
June 27, 2019 | East Longmeadow, MA | Friend
May to loving memories you have of him help carry you through the hard times ahead. Have faith that he is his best self at home in heaven.
Anjie B
June 26, 2019 | Friend
The candy man to many generation of kids! Loved unconditionally
Ken and chris Sims
June 26, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Friend
EFFINGHAM, IL – Robert Dean Ritz, age 77 of Effingham, Illinois and formerly of Charleston, entered his Heavenly Home on Monday, June 24, 2019 while at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. His family and close friends will honor and celebrate his life privately. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Donations in his honor may be made to the Carle Foundation Auxiliary Guest House and may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Bob was born August 26, 1941 in Sainte Marie, Illinois, one of three sons born to the late Edwin and Bertha (Hartrich) Ritz. He married Teresa Buerster on December 29, 1964 and they have celebrated 54 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Teresa, left to cherish their many wonderful memories are his children, Greg Ritz of Orlando, Florida, Rhonda Poulter and husband Robert of Aurora, Colorado, Bryan Ritz and wife Angela of Effingham, Illinois and Debra Garnica and husband Bob of Plainfield, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Jordyn and Lorrin Poulter, Zachary, Dylan and Ethan Ritz, and Kaia and Gavin Garnica; a brother, Allen Ritz and wife Betty of Barrington, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Bob was preceded by his brother, Norbert Ritz.
Bob was a graduate of Newton Community High School in Newton, Illinois and served with the Illinois Army National Guard. For 40 years, Bob worked as a distributor for B.B. Brummer, a wholesale vending company located in Newton. He later was employed by First Student Bus Company (formerly known as Laidlaw) as a bus monitor.
Bob was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston and was a Fourth Degree Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4024. He was also formerly a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and a member of the Effingham Art Guild.
Bob was blessed with an artistic ability and was a talented painter. He enjoyed hobbies of fishing and gardening and the music of his favorite country artist, Johnny Cash. He loved St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and was an Illini sports fan, but there was no bigger fan than Bob, when attending his grandchildren’s events as he truly was their BIGGEST fan. Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a good friend to many. He was happiest when sharing life and all its blessings with his family and friends, who will always gratefully remember the positive ways he influenced their lives.
Funeral ServiceA private graveside service, honoring and celebrating the life of Bob Ritz was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Sister Jane Marie Hotze officiating. Musical selections included "Be Not Afraid", "Shepherd Me Oh God" and "If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven". Pallbearers were: Bryan Ritz, Greg Ritz, Dylan Ritz, Bob Poulter, Bob Garnika and Zachary Ritz.
Click here to view Family Memorial Video.
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