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Eric Franklin Rittenhouse
Eric Franklin Rittenhouse
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Eric Rittenhouse Obituary
Died: May 17, 2007; in Crystal Lake
He was a flight instructor at Galt Airport, certified for both single and (dual) multi-engine aircraft
CRYSTAL LAKE - Eric Franklin Rittenhouse, 58, of Crystal Lake, died Thursday, May 17, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He died peacefully at home under the tender care of his four children and Monarch Hospice.
He was born June 26, 1948, in Jackson, Mich., to Franklin Stuart and Vivian (Erickson) Rittenhouse.
He graduated from Jackson High School in 1967 and entered the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served in the Vietnam and Pacific theaters, as well as in Alaska and Nevada. For more than 20 years, he was a project manager for Motorola. At the time of his death, he was employed by the FAA.
He loved both air and water. He built a Volmer VJ-22 amphibian plane with his father. He was a flight instructor at Galt Airport, certified for both single and (dual) multi-engine aircraft. He enjoyed iceboats, sailing, and other water sports, and served as a paramedic/EMT with scuba certification for the Wonder Lake Fire Department.
He is survived by his children, Eric Shane (Victoria) Rittenhouse, Joseph Walter (Sarah) Rittenhouse, Rebecca Lyn (Gary) Rittenhouse Scott and Benjamin Franklin Rittenhouse; eight grandchildren; his mother, Vivian Rittenhouse of Jackson, Mich.; and his sisters, Janice (Robert) Rittenhouse Matthews of Athens, Ga., Patricia (Bill) Rittenhouse George of Ankeny, Iowa, and Nancy (Duane) Rittenhouse Trupiano of Concord, Mich.
He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Stuart Rittenhouse, and by a foster brother, James Polley Rittenhouse.
A visitation and celebration of his life will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Windridge Funeral Home, 104 High Road, Cary.
His ashes will be buried with military honors at the Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary.
In lieu of flowers, Eric has requested that memorials be made to the Wonder Lake Fireman Fund or Monarch Hospice.
For information, call the funeral home at (847) 639-2191.
Sign the guest book at www. NWHerald.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Silke Paulsen
June 7, 2007
Dear Eric,
Bruce and I miss you already as our flight instructor, friend and building buddy of our Lancair. Your encouragement pushing us to complete tasks or to take the construction yet one more step is on our minds every time we work on the plane. She will fly, and a part of you will be with us. Thank you!
Silke and Bruce
Thomas Burrows
May 26, 2007
Very sorry to hear of the death of Eric. He went by the handle "Sky Pilot" when we were CB radio buddies back in the 70,s. We both left for work every morning at the same time and drove Rt 120 to Rt 60 to Peterson Road for years. He was a great guy and I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
"TOMCAT"
Dan and Nancy Johnson
May 24, 2007
Eric,
You have touched so many lives in wonderous ways. We treasure all the great memories of you. It has been an honor and priviledge to have known you and to have called you our dear friend.
....Now you have slipped the surly bonds of earth, (and) danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.......put out your hand and touch the face of God.
You will be missed..........
Dan and Nancy
Bob Swan
May 24, 2007
My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
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Kevin Borre
May 24, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ron Kamp
May 23, 2007
It,was because of Eric and his patience that kept me going to get my ticket to Fly, and I will miss him Greatley and be forever gratefull to him for his wisdom and knowing him.Rest in Peace.Ron
Joeleen & Michael Stanard
May 23, 2007
Tail winds always, Eric. Memories of you will always be...here at Galt.
Trench-It, Inc.
May 23, 2007
Our prayers are with you and your family.
CHARLES CHAMBERS
May 23, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Joan Bassak
May 23, 2007
Eric was a wonderful flight instructor who inspired me to continue my training. He was always patient, even with my landings! Rest in peace. You are in my logbook and prayers forever.
Susan McCarren Chapin
May 23, 2007
"FLY free and happy beyond birthdays and across Forever, and We'll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the One Celebration that can Never end."
Rest well, dear Eric for you were so loved in this Life. You were beyond strong, always so brave and courageous in the darkest of times.
You taught Me the Freedoms of Life and the Safety of Flight!
...and I Will Miss YOU Forever~
Susan McCarren Chapin
Jim Podgorski
May 22, 2007
I will be forever greatfull for the "gift of wings". Rest in peace
Kathy Okon
May 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Randel J. McCafferty
May 22, 2007
Rest in Peace, Brother. It was a pleasure working alongside of you in the fire service.
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