William “Bill” Michael Ritter
William “Bill” Michael Ritter, 97, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023. He was born in Columbus, OH on June 20, 1926 to the late Adolph and Theresa (Caldwell) Ritter.
Bill earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from The Ohio State University. On May 3, 1947, Bill married his college sweetheart, Mary Lou Snyder. After several engineering positions in the Midwest, Bill joined Giddings and Lewis in 1953 and retired there on June 30, 1985.
Bill had varied interests. He liked cars, boats, motorcycles, all of which he raced. He also enjoyed water and snow skiing, hunting, golfing, bowling and swimming. Bill made sure to include his wife and daughters to share those interests and make beautiful memories. They would travel across the country via car and boat the country’s waterways. Bill’s daughters were often allowed to invite friends to be a part of the fun. There was nothing that Bill could not fix.
Bill was a part of many Fond du Lac organizations including the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fond du Lac and Stuart, FL, the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, the Elks Lodge #57, South Hills Golf and Country Club, the Fond du Lac Advisory Park Board, the Department of Commerce International Trade Committee, the Presidents Export Council, the National Machine Tool Builders Association, the G&L Oldsters and served as President of the Senior Center Friends Board of Directors.
While living in Durango, Bill was a member of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Hillcrest Golf Club, the Durango Club, the La Plata County Board of Adjustment, the Edgemont Ranch Metropolitan District Board, Pine Lakes Golf Club, and served as President of Durango Wildlife Volunteers.
Bill is survived by daughters Terri Resop and Catherine Ritter (Robert Zoelle), granddaughter Mary (Dave) Sparby, great grandchildren Adam (Crystal) Resop and Amber Sparby, great great grandchildren Joshua Swanson and Jaxon Resop. He is further survived by his sister Carolyn Kellenberger and six nieces. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, son Gary, son-in-law Don Resop, sister Joann (Nat) Agnew, brother Tom (Mary Cay) Ritter and brother-in-law Kelly Kellenberger.
SERVICES: Bill’s daughters invite relatives and friends for a Celebration of Bill’s Life to Zacherl Funeral Home in Fond du Lac, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome for a time of visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. until the service begins.
The family expresses gratitude to Preceptor Hospice and the staff of Adelaide Place, some of whom became an extended part of the family, for caring for Bill.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Bill’s honor.