Horst Axel Ritter

1941 - 2015

RITTER, Horst Axel

Horst Axel Ritter lost his brave and valiant fight against cancer on April 30, 2015. Horst was a true gentleman with impeccable style, both on and off the tennis court. Throughout his life, he was known by all as an incredibly honest and honorable man. He was born in Waldenburg
Germany on July 14, 1941 to Annie and Erwin Ritter. Dale Jensen first met Horst in 1961 at a tennis tournament in Freudenstadt, Germany and recommended he moved to California to pursue a career in tennis.. He moved to California and stayed with his brother Otto in Saratoga, Ca. He was recruited by Dick Gould, legendary coach at Stanford, to attend Foothill Junior College where he won the State Junior College Singles and Doubles Championship in 1963. Later that year he beat Jerry Cromwell of USC, Jerry then called coach George Toley and Horst was offered a full scholarship at USC, which he accepted. He was at USC from 1964 - 1966. He played on the varsity team for USC and his win to loss record was excellent. He graduated from USC with a B.S. in Business Administration. Thereafter he went on to continue his education at USC, and earned a Masters of Business Administration. He met Juanita at the LA Tennis Club who he then later married. He started teaching tennis in 2002 after talking to Dale Jensen and Dave Reed. He had many students who he enjoyed teaching and his students loved him. His two most talented students are Abby Syracusco and Reed Schreck. .
Horst was a gifted tennis player and pursued his love of tennis. He went on to win numerous amateur senior tennis championship titles including:
Three US championships, singles and doubles;Three Southern California Championship singles titles and six doubles titles; Six Pacific Southwest Championship singles titles and eight doubles titles. Horst and his doubles partner, Dick Leach, went on to win 48 tennis tournaments together.. Dick has been a life-long friend and wonderful partner in what was an illustrious and successful tennis career.
Horst had many varying interests in addition to tennis, both professionally and personally. Because of his charm and charisma, he at one time dabbled in acting and later on worked as a stockbroker, an interest that stayed with him throughout his life. He went on to own and run a sports and tennis wear manufacturing company, JEZ of California, with his first wife Juanita, who preceded him in death. Thereafter, he went on to a long career as a tennis instructor. He was beloved by the many students whose lives he touched, both adult and children. He was instrumental in bringing the enjoyment of the sport he loved so much, to all who were fortunate enough to have him as their coach and teacher.
In addition to tennis, Horst enjoyed a full life of fun and happiness with his many friends, family and especially his 3rd wife, Mary Meeks-Ritter. Mary and Horst had a true love story, and were each other's soul mates. Mary and Horst met, and there were instant fireworks. Though their time together was all too brief, it was a partnership filled with joy, laughter and love. Horst became an integral part of and an advisor to Mary in her pet grooming products company, Nature's Specialties. Together they traveled throughout the United States to various trade shows and events.. Horst and Mary also had many other shared interests, including music. Horst especially liked classic blues, counting artists such as Solomon Burke and Elvis Presley as favorites.
Horst was preceded in death by his parents Erwin and Annie Ritter, first wife Juanita, and second wife Jan. He leaves behind his third wife, Mary Meeks-Ritter of Huntington Beach, CA; his loving brother Otto Ritter and wife Ingrid Ritter, of Debary, FL; nephew Ralph Ritter of Lake Mary, FL and niece Angela Ritter of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his brother in law Harold Harris and wife Pamela Harris of Bakersfield, CA; daughter in- law Tana Amen and husband Dr. Daniel Amen and daughter Chloe of Newport Coast, CA. He also leaves behind long time close friend Fran Bontempo as well as many other wonderful friends and acquaintances.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff with Care Choices Hospice, who made Horst's last days as comfortable and painless as possible, while providing him with a loving and peaceful environment. Services will be held on May 17th, 2015 from 12 to 3pm at the Altadena Town and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
American Cancer Society or hospice care.