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Robert Ritter Obituary

FORSYTH - Robert D. Ritter, 65, of Forsyth, IL, died Wednesday, September 26, 2007, as the result of a brain tumor. Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 P.M., Sunday, September 30, 2007, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. A memorial service is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. on Monday, October 1, 2007, at Sharon United Methodist Church, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church Bell Choir or Maroa-Forsyth School District towards a Robert Ritter Memorial Fund. Robert began his teaching career at Mt. Zion Junior High School in 1964 and retired from the Maroa-Forsyth School District in 2004, serving 28 years as Principal of Forsyth Elementary School. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Millikin University and an Administrative Certificate from Eastern Illinois University. He married L. Diane Zeeb in Blue Mound, IL on November 26, 1964 and she survives. Also surviving are his son Kraig and his wife Kelly and their children Hannah, Jairon and Charlie of Forsyth, IL; daughter Kristin and her husband Robert Dahlke and their children Daniel, Patrick and Caroline of Northbrook, IL; mother Esther Ritter Buchter of Rochester, IL; brother Richard and his wife Carol of Flanagan, IL. His father, John Ritter, preceded him in death. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlinger-earl.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Decatur Herald & Review from Sep. 28 to Oct. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ritter

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Beth (Austin) Schmidt

October 23, 2007

Dear Ritter family,

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time of loss. I remember even being a freshmen at Maroa Forsyth and being so impressed with Mr. Ritters' friendliness to all the kids at the elementary school where Will and Craig, my brothers, went. He touched so many lives in a postive way.

Ed and Linda Orr

October 3, 2007

Diane and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Reading the entries in the guest book are a true testimony to the wonderful, husband, father, grandfather and educator he was. Bob will be missed by all.

Glory (yundt) Ray

October 1, 2007

Diane and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Ritters passing. I had him as a teacher for Math when I was freshman. If it wasn't for him I never would have passed the class. It was very easy to learn from him. I am sure many have also realized that. Remember the good times and always hold his love in your heart.

stephanie proctor-westen

October 1, 2007

diana,kraig,kristy
sorry to here about bob he was a very special man and had a lot of good time when i was growing up. You are all very special and bob will be missed. You guys are in my prayers. Your god daughter stephanie-proctor-westen

stephanie proctor-westen

October 1, 2007

diana,kraig, kristy
sorry to here about bob he was a wonderfull man and will be missed by all. You guys were very special to me when i was little and now we are all grown up remember all the the great times and memories we had of bob. You and your famly are in my prayers. Take care

Harold K. Walton

October 1, 2007

Mrs. Ritter,
I knew Bob through my contacts with him at Forsyth Grade School when I was employed as a school/library World Book representative. I always looked forward to seeing him as I made my World Book calls. He always made me feel welcome and was quite helpful to me in my work. We just returned from Pennsylvania for a visit with our daughter and her family, so will be unable to attend the memorial service. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Tom and Diana Gendry

October 1, 2007

Diane, Kristi and Kraig,
We felt your husband and daddy was the best principal Amy ever had. We were fortunate to know him. We are so sorry and are praying that you will receive God's comfort and peace. Not many people get to have a father like your dad. We wish we could hug you, Kristi.

Bryant & Janet Austin

September 30, 2007

Dear Diane Kristi, Kraig, and Families:
We were shocked to learn of Bob's death. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Bob was a wonderful friend, neighbor, and educator in our school system.
As a believer, we know he is standing before His Lord and Savior singing his praises. This gives us great assurance and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Bryant and Janet Austin (Siloam Springs, Arkansas)

Kevin and Elaine Kapper

September 30, 2007

Mrs. Ritter and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Ritter was a very special person in our lives. May God always bless you all.
Kevin and Elaine Kapper

Marla Belden

September 30, 2007

Diane and family: I am so sorry for your loss. My time in Blue Mound and our Sunday School class remain a good memory. I still smile thinking of our "Dallas" discussions.

Londa (Allen) Upshaw

September 30, 2007

Ritter Family - I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Ritter's passing. I was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and then later a principal to my daughter. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

The Osbornes

September 30, 2007

Dear Ritter Family,
Larry & I are in San Frandcisco and are sorry that we can't be there for Bob's service. We know he was a geat educator, father, husband, and an outstanding human being. We are so sad that his much anticipated retirement years were not what you had expected but knowing that he had fought the good fight against his disease is inspiring to us all. Sam and Mackenzie also send their sympthies and do Larry and I.
Our prayers are with you all....The Larry Osborne Family

Laura Reynolds

September 30, 2007

Dearest Ritter Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our children were fortunate enough to have had "Mr. Ritter" as their Principal. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We have such fond memories of him and our time at Forsyth grade school. Sincerely, Paul, Laura, Alison, Erin and Paul (II) Reynolds

Judi (Flowers) Whalen

September 29, 2007

I hope in time the hurt in your heart will be replaced by wonderful memories.
My thoughts, and prayers are with you.

Terrie (Schneider) Ensell

September 29, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mr. Ritter was my principal at Forsyth in 1975.

Amy (Gendry) Wilson

September 29, 2007

Dear Kristi and family - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I spent so much time at your house as a child, and have only fond memories of your dad. He was always kind and cheerful, both at his home and at the school. How wonderful it is that he was able to positively influence so many lives. God Bless you all... You are often in my thoughts.

Dick and Mary Lee Oliver

September 29, 2007

Diane, Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. As God wraps his arms around you, may you find comfort. Bob was supportive of Kenny when he played basketball.

Linda and Ralf Henkel

September 29, 2007

To all of the Ritter Family-we want to extend our deepest sympathy to you during this time of grief. Having worked with both Bob at Forsyth and Kelly at W-L,I know that he was a special person who will be greatly missed by many people. Please know that prayers will be with all of you to find the strength to move on.

Becky Lohnes

September 29, 2007

Dear Diane, Kraig and Kristi~
Denny and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's illness and passing--we always thought so much of him, and of your entire family. Back in 1979, when we were contemplating building in Forsyth, our first priority was the Forsyth Grade School--what kind of place would it be to nurture and educate our 3 children. Upon meeting Bob, I felt like we had "come home." He was so genuinely nice and friendly!! Our family just had the highest regards for Bob--he was the "go to man" for questions, advice, help, direction and inspiration---and we always enjoyed his great sense of humor! Please know that our family is thinking of you.
Becky and Denny Lohnes

Cindy (Waite) Radliff

September 29, 2007

Kraig, Kristi, Diane & Family,
My family & I are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful principal, coach & person that my family had the pleasure of knowing. Losing a parent is very difficult but hang on to the memories....laugh, cry & treasure them always. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers.

Jamie (Brown) Castaneda

September 29, 2007

To the Ritter Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God bless you and your famiy.

Rich and Candy Underwood

September 29, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carl, Nadeen, Brad, Karen Williams

September 29, 2007

Dearest Ritter family,
Sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

Mimi Bliler-Kmetz

September 29, 2007

My sympathy to you all. I did not know Bob well but all I ever read or heard about him was positive and I was happy to be a shirt-tail relative. God bless

Elizabeth Hawk

September 29, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Michael Schmitz

September 28, 2007

Diane: I was so sorry to hear about Bob's death. I considered him a friend when I worked in the Argenta-Oreana School District from 1975-1985. Bob was a very classy person and one of the nicest people I have known. Know that you and you family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ken Barlow

September 28, 2007

To all the Ritter family,
I haven't seen "coach" for many years and was surprised to hear of his passing. I always looked up to "Mr. Ritter" and his teaching and coaching had a great influence on my life.

Krystal Brewer

September 28, 2007

Mr. Ritter was my grade school principal from frist grade through sixth grade, as well, both of my brothers. As a kid, I remember that he reminded me of Abe Lincoln...kind, fair, and tall! I have very fond memories of Mr. Ritter, since I only got sent to his office twice...I think. He was a wonderful person.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Angie Estes

September 28, 2007

To all of Mr. Ritter's family:
I was one of the luckiest students to have Mr. Ritter as a principal AND a neighbor. He will always remain an inspiration to me for his dedication to all of his students, and his great leadership ability! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Ellen Slessor

September 28, 2007

Diane: So sorry to hear of Bob's death. We enjoyed meeting you both at Steve and Megan's wedding.
Hard to believe that Bob is gone is such a short time. Our thoughts are with you.
Ellen Slessor

Cotner Family Aug. 2007

Lori Cotner

September 28, 2007

Kristi & Kraig: I am so sorry for you loss. It sure brings tears to my eyes. I am sorry I won't be there to wish ya'll the best. Your father was an amazing person, loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire families during this time.

In Jesus: Lori Cotner (Williams) and family: Scott, Makenah(11), Griffin(8) and Brennah(5)

Kris Younker-Concannon

September 28, 2007

Please know that you all are in my Thoughts and Prayers.
Kris

Steve Stenger

September 28, 2007

We all know that Bob was unlucky during this last year. However, I also know that for the most part Bob felt pretty lucky. I’ll start with being associated with Maroa-Forsyth Schools since that is my connection. I know that Bob appreciated his career in Maroa-Forsyth and enjoyed the leadership role that he was so very good at. I also know that Bob considered himself lucky to grow up in Blue Mound and to maintain strong friendships over a long period of time, it takes a lot of love to float a boat for that many years. I also know that Bob felt lucky that he was blessed with quality kids who in turned blessed him with grandchildren. And I know for sure, that Bob felt very lucky that a very pretty, very intelligent girl said yes many years ago. Rest in peace my friend, we all feel very fortunate that you were part of our life.

Sue Kowa

September 28, 2007

Diane and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I am so honored I had the opportunity to not only be a parent of one of Bob's charges, but to also work with him as a board member.
I remember so many good things and helpful guidance from Bob as the pom coach and loved it when he would come and sit with me during a practice in the gym and give me the support and confidence I needed during those "difficult" times. I look back and am thankful that I got to know Bob not only as an administrator but as a geniune, caring person who took time to give of himself to others and all the children.
I am out of state at this time but hold you and your family close in my prayers.

Suzanne See

September 28, 2007

My deepest sysmpathy goes out to you Diane, Kraig, Kristy and families. I always enjoyed Bob and know he was a wonderful husband and father. I'm sure, Kraig and Kristy, that your children are growing up in the same special family atmosphere that you were raised in. Your dad set a great example for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless--Mrs.See

David & Joan Dougherty

September 28, 2007

This great man will be turely missed.
David and Joan Dougherty SR.
D & D Shell Service Station

Lester Park

September 28, 2007

Richard and Carol,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lester

Bill Stuckey

September 28, 2007

Kristi and Kraig sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Tim Ohlemeyer

September 28, 2007

Kraig and the entire Ritter family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Kraig, your dad was a great influence on 1000's of kids who attended the Maroa-Forsyth school district and also those who played for him when he coached. He is one coach I wish would have stayed with it a while longer. I would have loved to have played for him. He will be missed, but not forgotten. May God bless you and your family now and always,
Tim Ohlemeyer & family

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