WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Henry Donald Ritter, age 93 of Coldwater, and formerly of Colon and Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at The Laurels of Coldwater.
Don was born Jan. 7, 1918, in Monroe, Ind., a son of the late Quincy O. and Elva May (Zerkle) Ritter.
He married Ruth C. Saunders in 1940. He later married Carole Schmidt in 1972 in Howe, Ind.
Don had worked as a personnel supervisor for the former Kirsch Company of Sturgis for 41 years, retiring in 1981.
He is survived by his wife Carole Ritter of Coldwater; a daughter, Elva (Phillip) York of Mansfield, Ohio; two stepchildren, Roger (Carrie) Schmidt of Sturgis and Susan (Jody) White of Sturgis; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert N. Ritter of New Orleans; two nieces; and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Berchiatti, in 1988; a stepson, David Schmidt; two sisters, Audrey Bleeke and an infant sister; and a brother, Leon Ritter.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Henry (Don) Ritter will at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Lawrence Green officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
