Jerry Eatherly Ritter

About

University of Missouri Webster University

Jerry Ritter Obituary

Ritter, Jerry Eatherly

Left us to take his place in heaven on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Beloved husband of Peggy (Francka) for 61 years; dear brother of Jim (Kathy) Ritter; dear father of Laurie (Joe) Caro and Beth (Rusty) Crutsinger; dear grandfather of Joe, Maggie, and Molly Caro and Emily and Matthew Evans; dear uncle of Jim and David (Jena) Mosley, Julie (Wes) Brownfield and Joe and Tim Ritter; dear friend, adviser, and counselor to many. Jerry was born in 1935 in Poteau, OK to Lowell and Almeta Ritter.

Jerry was retired as Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial and Administration Officer of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. After his retirement, he served for three years as Chairman of the Board for the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club and Kiel Center. Following sale of the Blues and Kiel Center, Jerry served as General Chairman of the 2001 World Golf Championship, the 2004 U.S. Senior Open, and the 2008 BMW Golf Championship, all of which were held at Bellerive Country Club.

In addition, Jerry served on a numerous corporate boards including The St. Louis Trust Company, The Automobile Club of Missouri, Brown Shoe Company, DOT Foods, Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc., and The Earthgrains Company.

Jerry, along with his wife, Peggy, changed lives with their tireless philanthropic work in St. Louis. They both co-chaired the 1999 and 2000 United Way Alexis de Tocqueville campaigns. Jerry served on the boards of The Science Center (past chairman of the Board of Commissioners and a Lifetime Trustee), SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation (past president) and Webster University, and chaired fundraising campaigns for these non-profit organizations. In addition, he worked tirelessly to raise community funds to expand the Miriam elementary school facility and to establish the first high school in the region for children with learning challenges.

Jerry received his B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Missouri at Columbia and is a lifetime member in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Jerry was an avid Cardinals fan and loved his family unconditionally. We will miss him tremendously.

Services: Memorial Mass will be held Friday, August 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 530 S. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation (3800 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110) or the charity of your choice are appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Aug. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Ritter

9 Entries

Doug Ries

August 29, 2022

I did see Beth a couple times during the Mass at St. Anselm last Friday. I wish to you Peggy the fondest of memories of Jerry. So much I think about him over and over again. He was very special to all our Emeritus Board and to me particularly. I remember a time where Jerry had a profound impact on me. He had an intern in his office and that made a difference to all three of us. As Fr. Francis said he was so concerned about the Blues that he took the reigns and we all our benefits of that. He sponsored so many events at Bellerive over and over again, especially Tiger Woods and this golfer was destined to great things for our community.I will miss him so much! Doug Ries

Elaine Milo

August 28, 2022

Jerry was a professional yet caring executive and person. He was a true asset to any organization he served. I will always remember our working environment at
Anheuser-Busch. Prayers for his family.

Maxine Heller

August 26, 2022

In my almost 60 years in the workforce he was the best boss I ever had and one of the nicest men I ever met. He will be truly, truly missed.

Ann Weinerth

August 26, 2022

Dear Peggy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was so kind to me at all of the functions that I would be involved with. He was a genuine gentleman! Peggy, you and Jerry tirelessly worked to improve the lives of so many St. Louisans. The Ritter Family are in my prayers. May God welcome Jerry to his heavenly home now!

Bob Merenda

August 25, 2022

Jerry was a gifted business executive and among the most dedicated civic leaders in our community. He was as down-to-earth, humble, honest, and fair-minded as anyone I've ever known. He never talked down to anyone. Above all, he was a role model as a husband and father. He and Peggy are treasured friends of mine and an endless list of others. My heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with Jerry, Peggy and their family.

Doug Ries

August 25, 2022

I think about Jerry and I remember when you came to the 4:30 Saturday evening. Look so interested in what you do and I knew you were going to St. Joseph Church instead of St. Anselm but I will be there with fond memories. Doug

Barb (Meyer) Campbell

August 24, 2022

On behalf of the Meyer Family, Mr. Ritter will be dearly missed. He has touched so many lives with his kindness and support. We have been truly blessed to have had him in our lives. We know such a wonderful man will fly high into God's embrace. We thank you, Mr. Ritter, for all you have done for our family.

Timothy Danis

August 24, 2022

Jerry is one of finest men I have ever met and I will miss him. He was an amazing Corporate executive, Community Leader and most of all husband, father and grandfather. Jerry your faith has brought you home to Jesus and he will greet you with open arms. God love you!

Shirley Ann Langbein

August 24, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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