Obituary of Harold Ritke

Harold Albert Ritke Age 86. Born July 22, 1923 in Henry, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home in Morris, IL. As a young boy he moved with his family to Deerbrook, WI. He was a graduate of Antigo High School, spent a year in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and served in the Navy during W.W.II. In 1950 he graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1960 he started his own construction company, Midwest Utility Co. in North Aurora and began acquiring small water and sewer utilities which became Metro Utility Co. that reached 6 Chicago area counties and served 9,000 customers. He was an ambassador for People to People and traveled to Russia. In 1994 he sold the company to Citizens Utilities. Until semi-retirement in 1996 he was a registered Professional Engineer and a partner in Harco Engineering. He was an accomplished inventor, with numerous patents and copyrights. He was a resident of Aurora, IL, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church until he moved to Morris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhardt and Anna (Poulfus) Ritke; brother, Robert; sisters, Thelma, Kate, Emily Okranski and Elsie Stein. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Esther (Arnold); his children, Dr. Anne (Richard) McCall, Randal (Deborah) Ritke and Pamela Ritke. Grandchildren, Chris, Andrew, Sara and Emma McCall, David and Helen Ritke. Brothers, Walter (Betsy), Elmer (Patricia) and Herbert and sister in-law, Loryanne Ritke. Numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends also survive. Per Harold's wishes cremation rites will be accorded. All friends and relatives are invited to gather at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris, Saturday January 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until the memorial service begins at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ottawa Hospice ,1601 Mercury Circle Suite 1, Ottawa, IL 61350 and Edward Hospital Cancer Center, c/o in care of The Edward Foundation, 801 S. Washington Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540 are appreciated. For Information (815) 942-5040