Theodore "Ted" Ritter

Theodore “Ted” Edward Ritter, 93, of Rockford, passed away peacefully January 31, 2024 at home surrounded by family. He was born on September 25, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Michael A. and Mildred I. (Molen) Ritter. He fell in love and married Martha A. Bischof on May 28, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio. Ted earned his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from The Ohio State University. He worked in technical purchasing and manufacturing management roles for various companies including Chrysler, United Conveyer Corporation, and retired from Chicago Bridge & Iron. He earned his professional engineer’s license in both Illinois and Ohio. Ted, Martha, and family lived in Mexico City, Mexico for a year where Ted helped open a Chrysler Plant in Toluca, Mexico. Ted was a member of Christ United Methodist Church (Rockford, Illinois) and an avid fan of all sports at The Ohio State University. After retiring Ted and Martha traveled for three years full time in an RV visiting the states of Alabama, Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida after which they were active snowbirds to Gulf Shores, Alabama for 20 years with their home base in Rockford.

Ted was always open for a challenge whether it be climbing Mt. Popocatepetl, remodeling a kitchen at 15 years old, or serving as scoutmaster while 18 years old. He served on his condo association board and was an avid volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.

Ted was a devoted family man and cherished his family above all else. With his unwavering love and selflessness, in countless ways he enriched all those around him. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Martha; children, Michael (Bonnie) Ritter, David (Kathleen Sullivan) Ritter, and Patty (Susan) Read; grandchildren, Matthew Ritter, Christopher Ritter, Bradley Ritter, Emily (Leif Nelson) Miner, and Nathan Miner. He is predeceased by his parents.

A special thank you to friend Rickie Anderson and caregiver Natalia Sonishvili of 7-1/2 years and Northern Illinois Hospice for their loving care of Ted.

Services to be held April 6, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL. Visitation at 12:30pm, Celebration at 1:30pm. Ted will be interred at David’s Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church or Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.