Karen Ritchie
June 30, 2017
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Service Details
Karen Louise Ritchie (nee Waldstein) a resident of Des Moines since 1969, died unexpectedly while on a trip to the Grand Canyon with family. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband, Wes Ritchie, and her children.
Born in 1940 in Rembrandt, IA to Kenneth and Margaret Waldstein, Karen grew up in Marathon, IA and graduated from Lutheran School of Nursing in Des Moines with a degree that led to a career of putting others first. For nearly 10 years she headed up the Breast Cancer Detection center housed at Lutheran Hospital.
She spent the final 25 years of her career at the Finley law firm in Des Moines working on medical malpractice defense work.
Karen lent her intellect and her caring spirit to a number of Des Moines organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Eyerly Ball, Des Moines Homeless Shelter and as an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for the past 48 years.
Married for 56 years to her childhood sweetheart, she and Wes were devoted to family and travel. She visited 50 states and six continents, fueled by a love for people and lifelong learning. In addition to Wes, she is survived by her three children, Wyatt (Anne) from Palo Alto, CA, Andrea (Chris) from Woodinville, WA, and Byron "BJ" (Paige) from Raleigh, NC, and eight grandchildren, Eleanor, Caroline, Quinten, Walker, Eli, Zoe, Kyla and Tucker. Also surviving are sister, Susan Myers, of rural Prairie City and Keith Waldstein, a brother, living in the Kansas City area.
A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with funeral services the following day (Friday, July 7) at 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Des Moines.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers from all who were touched by Karen.
In her honor please send your gifts to Eyerly Ball, Orchard Place, St. John’s Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bruce Graves
07/07/2017
Condolences, Wes, on the loss of Karen. Hope you and the family are doing well.
George Hanusa
07/05/2017
Wes and family, So sorry to hear of Karen's death. She was a gem and touched many of us with her kindnesses. God be with you.
Jo Neary Kinrade
07/04/2017
Our sympathy to you, Wes, and your family. Karen was a special person. I knew her in high school playing basketball, in Luther League and band.. Had fun slumber parties too.
Karen is at peace now.
evelyn davis
07/03/2017
We will miss her greatly at St. John's Lutheran Church.Sympathy to you Wes and children.
Sande Rodemeyer
07/03/2017
Our prayers go to you, Wes and all the family. I know Karen was a loving and energetic wife, mother and grandmother and put her whole heart into everything she touched. I know she will be missed by many. Keep her memory alive in your heart and the memories will bring a smile to you for years to come. Hugs!