In Loving Memory
Harry Ritchart

VISITATION
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
9:00 - 10:00 A.M.
First English Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa

SERVICE
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
10:00 A.M.
First English Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa

INTERMENT
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa

Harry Ritchart, son of Harry A. and Wilhelmina Marie (Wichman) Ritchart was born October 16, 1927 on the farm just north of Barringer Slough, near Ruthven, Iowa.  As a young boy, Harry enjoyed growing up there as well as the communities of Havelock, Spencer and Mallard where he lived with his family.   Following graduation from Mallard High School Harry joined the United States Navy and began boot camp in July 1945.  He was a member of the Blue Jacket Quire. After completion of boot camp Harry was stationed at Banana River Naval Air Station on Merritt Island, Florida.

On August 2, 1946 Harry was united in marriage to Irma Lou (Jimmie) Keith in Orlando, Florida and they had the joy of sharing seventy years of marriage.  They were blessed with one son, Harry who became known as "Skip" to all his family and friends.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy Harry and Jimmie returned to Palo Alto County and Harry worked with his father, learning the skills of carpentry They later moved back to Florida where Harry learned the brick trade.  After their time in Florida they returned to Iowa where Harry formed a construction company, Sondergaard-Ritchart Company in Spencer, constructing countless buildings in the area.  Harry went on to work as a manager for a company in Omaha and later he managed the Ruthven Lumber Yard.  His skills in carpentry were exceptional and he continued to do jobs for many years.  He built many homes in the area as well as the Ruthven State Bank and the Martin-Mattice Funeral Home, all of which he was very proud of.

Harry was a faithful and devoted member of First English Lutheran Church in Spencer.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and caring for his garden each year.  Harry was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, attending the games for many years and rarely missing one on T.V. when he could no longer go.

Harry passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 95.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry A. and Wilhelmina; his wife, Jimmie; his son, Harry "Skip"; and his sister, Betty Jean Yates.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Ann Ritchart of Royal, Iowa; four grandchildren, Ona Johnson (Jeff), Ami Steffen, Jennifer Findling and William Ritchart; ten great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; a niece Valarie Larsen; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home