Philip Ritger Jr

Philip Ritger Jr. died on December 6 at the age of 89. He was born May 10, 1928 the son of the late Philip and Amelia(Schlagenhaft) Ritger. On September 3, 1951 he married the late Leona Wadinski. He was an active member of the former St. Mary's Congregation which presently is the Church of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When a member of St Mary's he was active in the PTA, member of the School Board, served in preparing couples for marriage(FOCUS) and a lay minister of communion to the homebound. He helped during Lent working in the soup kitchen for Church of the Resurrection. Philip worked eighteen years for Jim Kryshak Jeweler's and fifteen years for Hoffer Glass Company, retiring in 1994. After retirement he enjoyed being a handyman for his children and anyone needing help. If he needed a little relaxation or looking for another project he could always find that up north on Lake Nokomis with his children. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving two years in Germany patrolling the German/Russian border. He was also a member of the American Legion, Alois Dreikosen Post 469, Marathon; Catholic Order of the Foresters, St. Leo Court No. 795, Marathon; Catholic Knights of Columbus George Schreier Council No 1069; Wausau Elks Lodge. Survivors include his children, Lynn (Peter) Heinz, Tomahawk, WI. Philip (Christine) Ritger, Genoa, NV. Renee (David) Kim, Ottumwa, IA. Seven grandchildren: Bethany(Ryan) Girtler, Colin and Bennett Heinz, Clara and Amelia Ritger, Davis and Trevor Kim. Three great grandchildren: Shiloh Burgess, Sophia and Mason Girtler. Many nieces and nephews as well. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Leona, his parents Philip and Amelia Ritger, three brothers, Alvin, Adolph and Gerald and 7 sisters, Marie Knauf, Evelyn Straub, Loretta Blume, Sister Marcelline Ritger, Dolores Schueller, Arleen Masanz and Sister Rose Ann Ritger. The funeral mass will be celebrated on December 15 at the Church of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Father William Grevatch and Rev. Msgr Mark Pierce will preside. Visitation will begin at 9:30 with mass to follow starting at 10:30. Philip will receive full military honors by the American Legion Post 469 Marathon, immediately following mass. Burial will follow lunch at the Restlawn Memorial Mausoleum, Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. The family would like to thank the staff at Pride TLC and Aspirus Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Philip.