Richard Eugene Rittenhouse Sr, born on November 23, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, left us on September 15, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center at the age of 83.
He is survived by his loving wife Juanita of 63 years, two children, seven grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. He lost one great grandchild that unfortunately was only here for 10 days, so Great Grandpa did not get a chance to know her or spread his loving arms around her.
Richard was very much a family man, loving, kind, caring, and gentle soul. He enjoyed family nights of playing cards or board games and listening to music of all kinds. His favorite was the big band era Glen Miller, especially, country music, and the 50/60's. At times Richard would get out his accordion and play it.
Richard was a hard worker who loved working at CG Con's where he made brass instruments for several years. From there, even though the job was physically hard on him, he was proud of the many years he worked for AM General making mail delivery trucks, city buses, and hummers. He was tickled the day that Arnold Schwarzenegger personally came to the factory to pick up one of the first hummers that came off the assembly line.
Richard was a boy scout leader, coached baseball, umpired softball, and loved watching Richard Jr. play football. He was one of the most devoted Chicago Cubs baseball and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football fans, rarely ever missing listening to or watching the games.
Richard loved putting out bird feeders then sitting on the porch, while enjoying a nice summer breeze, watching the birds that would come to feed from those feeders and trying to identify them. Richard loved talking and had a quick wit and people found it easy to talk to him and like him. He is loved and will be missed.
No formal services will be held. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
