Wilmer L. Ritterling

Wilmer Lavern Ritterling was born to John and Anna (Hoops) Ritterling on December 25, 1929 at the family farm near Byron, Nebraska, and passed away May 11, 2022, at Heritage Crossings in Geneva, Nebraska, at the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 17 days. He was the second of seven children in the family. Wilmer was baptized January 5, 1930 and confirmed August 13, 1944 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Byron, Nebraska. Wilmer graduated from 8th grade at Rural School District 91, Byron, Nebraska. Wilmer was inducted into the U.S. Army May 16, 1951. He received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was deployed to Korea in November of 1951 where he served as a combat engineer. Wilmer was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was honorably discharged on March 14, 1953. Wilmer was married to Lois Hobelmann of Byron, Nebraska, on October 2, 1955 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Byron, Nebraska, and to them three children were born. Wilmer was a farmer near Byron most of his life. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Geneva. He was a member of the Byron American Legion Post 205 since 1953 where he served as the Post Commander from 1977-1979. Wilmer was also a VFW member. He served on the Thayer County Veterans Service Board from 1982-1992. Wilmer served on the Byron and CHB School Boards of Education for 8 years. He was also a member of the Spring Creek Square Dance Club at Ruskin, Nebraska. Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; sister, Mildred & (Vernon) Holle; brother, Ray & (Janet) Ritterling; brother, Larry Ritterling; brother-in-laws, Norm Doehring, Delmar Hobelmann, and Dean Hobelmann; sister-in-law, Cathy Hobelmann; and nephew, Steve Holle. He is survived by daughter, Paula & (Steve) Day of Hebron, Nebraska; daughter, Patti & (Matthew) Holt of Copperas Cove, Texas; son, Jon & (Kris) Ritterling of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Rachel & (Nick) Thompson of Hayward, Wisconsin, Nicholas & (Bethanie) Lewellyn of Hebron, Joshua & (Bianca) Holt of DuPont, Washington, Mackensi Holt of Washington, DC, Nathan and Sarah Ritterling of Omaha; four great-grandchildren, Lincoln Thompson, Brixlee and Brayson Lewellyn, and Caleb Holt; sisters, Leora Doehring, of Salina, Kansas, Lorna & (Robert) Ludwig of Deshler, Nebraska, and Janet & (Sid) McCartney of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Gladys Hobelmann of Byron and Deanna Hobelmann of Republic, Kansas; brother-in-law, Wayne Hobelmann of Kansas City, Kansas; and second wife, Rita and her children, Mike Richters, Jody & Byron Wiemer and family, and Allen Richters and family, all of Utica, Nebraska. A Funeral Service was held at Grace Lutheran Church in Geneva, Nebraska on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10:00 am. Pastor Nick Mount presided over the Funeral Service. Denise Hinrichs was the organist and she accompanied the congregation in the singing of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Oh, Take My Hand, Dear Father,” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Casket bearers were Craig Doehring, Mark Ludwig, Jason McCartney, Michael Ritterling, Brad Hobelmann, and Gary Hobelmann. Honorary Pallbearers included Wilmer’s Grandchildren. A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Byron, Nebraska. Military Honors were conducted by the Hebron American Legion Post 180 and the Nebraska Military Honor Guard. Memorials are directed to Grace Lutheran Church, Geneva and St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Byron. Farmer & Son Funeral Homes, Inc. assisted the family with arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Wilmer L. Ritterling

December 25, 1929 - May 11, 2022