Daniel Jay Ritter

Daniel Jay "Dan" Ritter, age 63, of LaGrange, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born May 12, 1962, in South Bend, Indiana, to Jay R. and Jill R. (Taylor) Ritter.

Dan attended South Bend Riley High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, enlisting in 1981 and serving for nine years. He later built a career as a branch manager for Koorsen Fire & Security in South Bend and Merrillville, Indiana.

On August 3,2001, he married Melba D. Meeks at the LaGrange County Courthouse. They would have celebrated 25 years of marriage this August.

Dan had a deep love for family, especially Melba and his grandchildren. He also loved his many fur babies. He was an avid sports fan who followed the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Indiana Hoosiers, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was known for his love of music, his great sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh.

Surviving is his devoted wife, Melba Ritter; his children, Jami (fiancée James Ellis) Kovach, Justin (Brittany Cadoret) Ritter, Raeanne Lindsey, Shane Stevens, Danny Ritter, and Sean Shannon; four grandchildren, Tyler and Ethan Kovach and Jay and Bella Ritter; a sister, Angie (Pat) Pickenpaugh; and his aunts and uncle, Karen Bishop and Brian and Marsha Ritter.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Ritter; his mother, Jill Samarich; and a brother, Tim Ritter.

According to Dan's wishes, cremation is taking place, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dan's memory to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), www.dav.org