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Kenneth Ritzert
Kenneth Ritzert, age 88; beloved husband of 61 years to wife Joan (Kanikula) Ritzert; dear father to John (deceased), William and Edward (Lori) Ritzert; adored grandfather to Matthew Ritzert. Kenneth was raised in Naperville, Illinois and graduated from Naperville High School and North Central College. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was part of the USO during this time and made many trips to bases around the state including the Arctic Circle. He returned and continued education at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois settling his family in Darien, Illinois in 1968. Ken worked as the Downers Grove Township Republican Precinct Committeeman in Precinct 66 for 40 years. He was employed as a Social Studies teacher at Blackhawk Jr. High School in Bensenville, Illinois where he helped to shape the minds of thousands of students for over 30 years. He wrote and directed plays at the school, conducted legendary Constitutional Conventions and received teaching awards including the Valley Forge Freedom Foundations Award. Ken worked at the family sand and gravel business, Ritzert Materials Inc. during the summers. He was blessed with an outstanding singing voice that radiated across the many countries and continents he traveled, performed in operas, was a member of the Joyful Voices Choir and was the long time cantor at the 8am and later 7am masses at Our Lady of Peace Church in Darien. Ken enjoyed bringing happiness to others through his performances and showmanship, the services he gave of himself and his ability to educate; a true Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Kenneth was taken from us doing on of the things he loved to do most, working in his garden.
Services were previously held at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Avenue, Darien For funeral info: (630) 852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Modell Funeral Home - Darien.
3 Entries
Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. I am filled with emotion reading of your passing.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
Myrna G.
July 12, 2023
A legend in Bensenville education. Good night, sir.
Peter Pecoraro
March 6, 2021
My heartfelt sympathies to the family; Allow the love of others to lift you in this time of grief.
Ned
March 5, 2021
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Modell Funeral Home - Darien7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561
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