About
Walter Ritke Obituary
Walt and his wife Betsy Ritke (deceased) resided in Green Bay, Wisconsin for over 50 years. Loyal Green Bay Packer fans.
Predeceased by his parents: Reinhardt Ritke and Anna Ritke (Pulsfus), Siblings: Robert Ritke, LaCadia Ritke, Selma Ritke, Elsie Ritke. Emily Ritke, Harold Ritke, Elmer Ritke, Herb Ritke. Grandson: Brandon Ritke Thiel Survived by daughters: Donna K. Ritke, Jackie L. Ritke Jones, Grandson; Orin G. Thiel, Glenn Alan Thiel, MD. (father of Brandon and Orin). Many nieces and nephews. He graduated from Antigo High School, Antigo, WI.
Graduating from Marquette University with a Marketing degree, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Walter had a career in Marketing working for a couple of advertising firms in Rockford. Ill. and South Bend, IN. Then moved to Green Bay to work for a paper company. Walter survived polio in midlife, changed his career to teaching. He attended St. Norbert College in DePere, WI and then taught at Dickinson Elementary School in DePere, WI for 24 years. During the summer months he sold encyclopedias to families. Walter performed in several community theater productions in Green Bay, WI. He was also a serious writer as a hobby, attending many writers workshops. Walter was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and Uncle. He was always asking, "How can I help?" He cared deeply for his extended family and friends. Walt served our country as a pilot in the Navy when WWII ended. He was able to attend the Honor Flight years later on September 12, 2015, Stars and Stripes, Wisconsin. A memorable day and experience.
Celebration of Life will be on August 1, 20125 at II a.m., North Shore Congregational Church, 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point, Wisconsin, 53217. www.northshorecongl.org
Memorials in Walt's name can be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children -Twin Cities. shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Breakthrough TID (formally JDRF) www2.breakthrought1d.org North Shore Congregational Church www.NSCChurchWl.org Milwaukee -
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Christine Johnston Granfield
Yesterday
My sincere condolences to you both, Jackie & Donna, and your family. I remember Dad Ritke well. Very kind man.
Much love and prayers,
Chris Johnston Granfield
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Ruth, Dale and Dotty Vollrath
August 1, 2025
Our condolences to you, Jackie and Donna. It was a pleasure knowing your father, Walter.
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