Wayne Ritter Obituary

Wayne L. Ritter

Born: July 1, 1923

Died: July 25, 2015

Wayne L. Ritter, age 92, passed away in his sleep on July 25, 2015. He was born July 1, 1923 to Emil and Mary Ritter in Ashland, OH.

Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the 10th Mountain Division. He often spoke fondly of his days in training at Camp Hale in the Colorado Rockies as a part of the mule corps where he learned to ski and survive. Wayne subsequently served in Italy in the march north toward the Po River Valley to drive the German Army from the country. He received a Purple Heart for a wound suffered during that time.

Upon returning to the States after the war he completed his college degree in Business at Ohio University where he met his sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Doris Standring. He, Doris, and their family lived in Sandusky, OH and subsequently moved to La Grange, IL in the early 1970s.

Wayne worked most of his adult life in warehousing and logistics. He had a gift of gab and always took an interest in others. It was this putting others first in business that gave him great success in the warehouse storage sales business. He solved problems for others and freely gave them information and his time. Wayne retired at age 85 only when travel became impossible. A decades-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, he served in many capacities, including with the youth. His training in the military gave him a love of the outdoors. He led his family and the church youth on numerous camping and canoeing trips. He was loved and appreciated by all who met him because of his cheerful demeanor.

Wayne was survived by his beloved wife, Doris, and his five children: Gary (Dalia) of Montague, MI; Keith of Stickney, IL; Sharon Beall (Clay) of Preston, MD; Curt (Mary) of Waterloo, IA; and Nancy Knightly (Sean) of Miller Beach, IN. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tara Quaranta, James, Alayna, Ryan, Dana and great-grandchildren: Jada, Billy, Christian, and Damien.