Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Harold Rittgers Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Harold was born December 29, 1929, in Des Moines, the son of Charles Barton and Mary (Fisher) Rittgers. He grew up around Maxwell, farming with his father and graduating high school in 1948. He married Delores Sheldahl on June 14, 1952, in Huxley. They made their home in the Huxley area where Harold sold feed for Moorman's and later farmed his father-in-law's farm. After retiring in 2002, they moved to Ames. Harold enjoyed golfing, Iowa State sports and visiting with his friends at HyVee.
He is survived by two sons, Roger (Lorraine) Rittgers of Elkhart and Mark (Mary) Rittgers of Frankfort, IL, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren and three step great- great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Delores, his parents, three sisters and one granddaughter.
A small graveside service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Amy Sheehy
June 20, 2025
Harold was such a kind soul. His smile could light up a room.
I´ll always remember Harold and Delores visiting Jim and me and our little family when we lived in Tucson on their way to their home in Mesa. It was always a special time of reacquainting.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Linda Heddens (Nikki and Brandon Rittgers)
June 19, 2025
Condolences to the family. I and my family had many fond memories with Harold and Delores. Harold and Delores will now be together.
Danielle Wetzel
June 18, 2025
I was one of Harold´s CNAs at Sunny View. I took care of him every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 6am-6pm. We became great buddies. :) We talked about his time farming! (I grew up on a farm in SWI.) I will cherish Harold & his memories. God bless him & his family, thank you for sharing Harold with Sunny View!! - Danielle Wetzel, Sunny View CNA.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
2135 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Make a Donation
in Harold Rittgers's name
People and places connected with Harold
Recent Obituaries
How to support Harold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Harold Rittgers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
