Donald W. Rittgers
April 14, 2021
Donald W. Rittgers was born June 10, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Walter and Lillie Quick Rittgers. He passed away April 14, 2021, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston surrounded by the love of his family.
Don attended Trinity College in Chicago and later DMACC in Ankeny. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir where he proudly served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. He was a co-owner of a self-storage facility and an office building.
Don was a long-time member of Johnston Evangelical Free Church – now Northpoint. He was also a member of the Johnston Lions Club. Don appreciated being a driver for the eye tissue transport and helping park cars at the Johnston Dragons football games.
Don especially enjoyed dinners and “coffeeing” with family and friends, Harley rides across Iowa and the Hill Country of Texas, riding dirt bikes and golfing with Andrew, and playing pool with Angie and Joe. Growing up in the Rittgers household included boating and many water skiing vacations.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Marcia; daughter, Angela Rittgers Dagit; son, Joseph; grandson, Andrew; brother, James; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Laurin Cole; sister-in-law, Nancy Hendricks Rittgers; as well as other loving family and many special friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his infant son, Daniel Adam; sister-in-law, Judy Alms Rittgers; and his brother, Kenneth.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Masks and social distancing are appreciated but not mandatory.
A graveside service will be held later this summer.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospice in loving memory of Donald.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Marybeth
08/21/2022
I am very saddened to find out. I was searching for him to get in touch with him. I used to serve him coffee at Dahls for a couple years. He gave me my bible I still use today. He was a father figure to me when I was in my early 20's and figuring out life. He left a very big impact on my soul.
Linda Marsell
04/24/2021
Marcia and family
Our hearts and prayers are for you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Leah Fletcher
04/24/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe, Marsha, and Angie, and family. I was able to join you through virtual, on Hamilton's site, Donnie will be missed dearly. Please take care always,
Leah
Please take care
Randy and Kathy Clarkson
04/24/2021
Marcia, You are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead as you mourn. Sincere sympathy
Roxanne Reimers
04/23/2021
So sorry for your loss my heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bob Peitzman
04/22/2021
Marcia and family, Brenda and I are so saddened to hear that Don died. We shared many years in the church together, and he was a good friend. We send our love and condolences from Texas. Please know that we are praying for all of you during this difficult time.
John Rains
04/20/2021
Our sympathy and prayers are certainly for all of you. Don was a good man and had many talents and interests for the good of his family and friends. We are honored that we could be a friend and neighbor for so many years.
Carol Hoots
04/20/2021
Sending my love and prayers to Marcia and family. Donny was a a respectful person that had a calm way about him. He will be missed by all the class of 64. I can't remember any time that he wasn't part of the planning of the reunions and luncheons, always a smile on his face. He was a special person called home way to early.
ALICE Rittgers Cross
04/20/2021
I met Don less than 10 years ago when he assisted me with Rittgers cemetery matters. I found him to be a very gracious man. Im very sorry for your loss.
Garland and Marlys Seibert
04/20/2021
Extending our sincere sympathy to each of you.
Don's was certainly a life well lived.
Bonnie Stanko
04/19/2021
Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to Aunt Marcia, and family. He was a good man and he will surely be missed. I can see uncle Don and my Dad playing some golf right now in heaven. I will always remember the good times we had when the family came to visit in PA.
Elaine "Ellie" Lathrum
04/19/2021
Prayers, hope, love and light are being sent to Marcia and the kids from my family. We all loved Don very much. God bless my Friends.
Jan(Mace)Ayd
04/19/2021
My love, prayers, and condolences to Marcia and the Rittgers family. Donnie was a very good friend and I will surely miss him at our Class of 64 reunions. He was a special guy. Rest In Peace dear friend🙏🏻
Kathy Kennedy Lieberman
04/19/2021
Marcia & family,
I havent seen Donny since high school as I live in Florida. He lived an incredible life & his contributions will be remembered by so many! I wish you peace as you move through the grieving process.