Germaine A. Ritger

Ritger, Germaine A.

Germaine A. Ritger, 90, Marathon, died peacefully on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services.

She was born July 25, 1925 in the town of Rib Falls, daughter of the late Anton and Catherine (Schueller) Bergs. She attended Holy Family School, Poniatowski and Athens High School. On August 20, 1947 she married Adolph Ritger at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Following their marriage the couple resided in Marathon. Adolph preceded her in death on January 25, 1989.

Germaine had a generous spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Germaine held part-time jobs at Green's Grocery Store, Marathon Cheese and Hack's Diner. She enjoyed playing piano, sewing, baking and tending to her flower gardens. Music brought her great joy, especially in the last years of her life. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Germaine was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon and had a very strong commitment to her faith. Her time spent in the Perpetual Prayer Chapel was especially meaningful and important to her. She belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis, PCCW, Lay Franciscans, National Catholic Society of Foresters and also volunteered at St. Anthony Retreat Center and St. Mary's Church and School.

Survivors include her children, Sue (Jim) Meseberg, Wausau, Mary (Kevin) Tall, Minneapolis, Kate (Dean) Borens, Rothschild, Rick (Mary) Ritger, Mosinee, Jane (Ronald Moore) Ritger, Marathon, Joe Ritger, Milwaukee and Judi (Troy) Brown, Wausau; grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Wyman, Rachel, Michael (Stephanie) Borens, Luke (Tracy) Fochs, Travis Fochs and Emily (Luke) Kramer, Jay Ritger, John and Sarah Lensmire, Abigail and Amelia Brown; one great-grandson, Elijah Wyman; brother, Lawrence (Gladys) Bergs, Tomah; brother-in-law, Philip Ritger, Wausau.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Alex (Hazel) Bergs, Dolores (Hubert) Fochs, Herbert (Mary Alice) Bergs, Sister Kathleen Bergs SDS, Sister Lawrence Bergs SDS, Alois Bergs, Anthony Bergs and Sylvester (Loretta) Bergs.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to Copperleaf Assisted Living and Aspirus Comfort Care and Services for the patience, kindness, love and care of our Mother over the years.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Memorials can be directed to St. Anthony's Spirituality Center or St. Mary's Parish in Marathon.