Michael D. Ritland

Michael D. Ritland, age 88 of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at MCHS-Luther on Sunday, October 20.

Michael was born on October 29, 1935, in Ames, IA, the eldest son of Everett & Bette (Britson) Ritland. Mike was baptized/confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church. He played basketball/football for Ames High graduating in 1953. After one year at Luther College in Decorah, IA he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army while stationed in Japan. Returning from the military, he completed his BA in Education from Luther College and taught high school social studies along with coaching football/girls' basketball in Allison, IA. It was at Luther College where he met his wife of 63 years, Dori Amundson.

After finishing his master's & doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley, they settled in Menomonie, WI and raised two daughters, Kristin & Katie. Mike had a 37-year career at UW-Stout. He was a professor of the psychology/guidance and counseling departments and served as Assistant Dean of the School of Education. He enjoyed helping college students during this period of their professional lives. Alongside his teaching/lecturing duties, Mike was an advisor to many organizations on campus and was a chairperson of the Stout Athletic Hall of Fame. He received the UW-Stout & Luther Distinguished Service Awards for his many contributions to these colleges. Mike was an active member of the Menomonie Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow, Sons of Norway, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Christ Lutheran & Trinity Lutheran Churches.

Along with teaching, Mike loved country music, especially Johnny Cash. He would play his guitar and sing at various social events. Fun times were spent at the cottage in Menomonie with many pontoon rides and fish fries. Family road trips throughout the US were always fun adventures. In retirement, Mike & Dori traveled abroad to Norway and many other European countries, spending some winters in The Villages in Florida, and summers in Door County. Mike also enjoyed playing golf, cribbage, bridge, and other card games. He was a big sports fan to many teams at all levels especially his Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State, Brewers/Twins, & Packers/Vikings. He also found great joy in watching his daughters and grandchildren play competitive sports in high school & college.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dori; his two daughters, Kristin (Brian) Ritland Pressler and Katie (Bill) Ritland Clouse; four grandchildren, Britta Pressler, Annika (Marcus) Kamrath, Dane Clouse, & Bjorn Pressler; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Barbara) Amundson and Bill Sears; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Everett & Bette Ritland; two sisters, Rosemary Low & Pat Ritland-Willig; one brother, Mark Ritland; sister-in-law, Marilyn Sears; brother-in-law, Dr. Roger Low; parents-in-law, Alan & Hazel Amundson; and granddaughter, Kjerstie Pressler.

Mike's family wishes to thank the medical staff at MCHS-Luther Hospital for their wonderful care. A special thanks to Dove South's care team also.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Jim Page officiating. Visitation will one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to Stepping Stones or UW-Stout Foundation: Athletic Department in memory of Mike Ritland.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at olsonfuneral.com