Jack Ritteman

John I. "Jack" Ritteman, age 84, resident of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Jack was born November 24, 1930 in Lakota, the son of Edward W. and Iva M. (Thomas) Ritteman. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lakota Lutheran Church. After attending Lakota schools, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in October, 1951 serving during the Korean conflict. He married Dagny Flohaug on December, 30 1953 in McVille, ND. Jack farmed for several years before he began his career as Superintendent of Utilities serving the cities of Maddock, ND, Warroad, MN, and Lakota, ND. In 1987 Jack and Dagny moved to Salol, MN and worked for Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN, until retiring in 2006. Jack was active in his community including the local fire departments, church council, volunteer ambulance, township boards, and a proud member of the American Legion for over 60 years. Jack enjoyed the outdoors - fishing, hunting, camping, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling. In 2010, Jack was diagnosed with ALS, and he and Dagny moved home to Lakota in 2011.

He is survived by his "queen" of 61 years, Dagny; three children, Ron (Bev) Ritteman of Cavalier, ND, LaRae (Cory) Nelson of Missouri City, TX, and Carmen (Steve) Tronson of Doyon, ND; sister-in-law, Gail Ritteman of Lakota; seven grandchildren, Mandy (Shaun) Lubken, Marc (Linsey) Ritteman, Blake (Megan) Ritteman, Kate (Clay) Rhoden, Eric Nelson, Zach Tronson, and Emily Tronson; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his faithful canine companions, Grizzly and Grant; and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty and Janice; brother, Edward T.; brothers-in-law, Douglas Flohuag and Robert Moilanen; and parents-in-law, Bernice and Olaf Flohaug.

Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the Lakota Lutheran Church. Officiating will be the Reverend Tedd Rieke, the organist will be Karen Fowler. Burial will be in the Lakota Cemetery. All of Jack’s grandchildren are considered honorary pallbearers. Military honors will be accorded by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota, and the ND Military Funeral Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers the family appreciates donations to ALS, Lakota Fire Department, or the Lakota Ambulance in honor of Jack.