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Ralph Alden Rittgers
Ralph Alden Rittgers
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Ralph was born January 13, 1934 in New Hartford, Iowa to Lawrence and Ester (Ballhagen) Rittgers. He grew up in New Hartford where he graduated from high school. He married Arlene Nelson on October 3, 1953 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1965 they moved to Minnesota where Ralph farmed for 4 years. He worked for a tree service then started his own tree service, operating Rittgers Tree Service in the Nevis area for many years.
Ralph loved deer hunting and ice fishing. He was a long time member at Peace Lutheran in Nevis.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 71 years, Arlene Rittgers of Park Rapids; sons, Kelly (Lyn), Perry (Denise), Craig (Sandy); daughters, Maurine (Mark), Denise (Don), Lynda (Lou), LuAnn; siblings, Sharlotte Rittgers, Donald Rittgers; 14 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ester; infant son, Dennis; sister, Glady and husband Bud; sister,
Elizabeth; sister, Ardith; brother, Gene and wife Marvel; brother Merle and wife Rosella; sister-in-law, Frances.
A private family service will be held later this summer at Lakeview Cemetery in Nevis.
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710 West 1st Street, Park Rapids, MN 56470
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