RITTGERS, Eugene Merlin 1928-2015

RITTGERS, BALLHAGEN, COFFIN

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 11/24/2015 at 18:59:32

Eugene M. Rittgers

September 10, 1928 - July 20, 2015

Eugene Merlin Rittgers, 86, of Waverly, Iowa, and formerly of Cedar Falls, Iowa, entered heaven, July 20, 2015.

Eugene was born September 10, 1928, in New Hartford, Iowa, the son of Lawrence & Esther (Ballhagen) Rittgers. He married Marvel Coffin on June 29, 1953, in Owatonna, Minnesota. Eugene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was the owner and operator of Bilt-Rite Homes where he built many homes and churches in Iowa. He also built several buildings for the Iowa District Church of the Nazarene on their campgrounds.

Eugene had many interests. At one time he was very involved in the Scouting program in North Cedar. He enjoyed fishing. He loved attending the Waterloo Black Hawk hockey games with his family and was a season ticket holder for many years. He had quite the green thumb and knew how to grow beautiful flowers & lush vegetable gardens. He loved the outdoors with his many birds and squirrels. He loved to be in his workshop where he made many beautiful pieces of furniture.

He had a great love for his wife, children and for people. His love for His Lord and His church was profound. Gene never knew a stranger and if given the slightest opportunity, would tell them of his transformed life and how Jesus saved him! His Bible was his treasure as he read it, studied it and made many, many notes in it. He donated untold hours of volunteer service in building the Kingdom of God: church board member, Sunday School teacher, superintendent, bus ministry, children's church, constructing & remodeling churches, Gideons, missions trips - he was willing to do anything his God asked of him.

He served the Iowa District Church of the Nazarene as an Advisory board member and property board member. There is no question, the Kingdom of God is richer due to his service. Yet, Eugene knew that none of those things earned him a place in heaven, salvation is only through the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross. He served His Lord because he was so grateful for His grace. Eugene was truly a giant in the faith. What a legacy and heritage he has left for all of us.

Survivors include his two sons, Darwin (Carolyn) Rittgers, of Waverly and Pastor Del (Chris) Rittgers, of Des Moines; his daughter, Delaine (Robert) Schillie, of Waverly; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren; three brothers, Merle of Lincoln, Iowa; Don of Shell Rock, Iowa, and Ralph of Nevis, Minnesota; four sisters, Gladys Elliot of Waverly, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Ardith Rittgers of New Hartford, Iowa.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a great-grandson.

Source: Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home

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