Riter, Oren P. 1896-1935

RITER, HICKMAN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/22/2010 at 17:42:07

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
February 19, 1935

DEATH CLAIMS OREN P. RITER
Well Known Young Business Man In This Community

Oren P. Riter, widely known young business man of Hawarden, died at his home
Tuesday following an attack of influenza.

Mr. Riter was well known to many LeMars and Plymouth county people through
his various activities and personal associations. The Hawarden Independent
gives the following sketch of his life:

Oren Philip Riter was born at Struble, May 27, 1896. At the age of six years
he came with his parents to Ireton where he grew to manhood. He attended the
Ireton public schools and was graduated from the high school there, later
attending business college at Mankato, Minn. He entered the implement
business with his father, J. Philip Riter, in Ireton. In 1923, the Riter
Implement Company established a store in Hawarden and the large concrete
block implement house, which still bears their name, was erected. Oren
Riter came to Hawarden as manger of the Hawarden branch and has since
continued in that capacity. Subsequently the company established branches at
Craig and Akron and the business was incorporated. Mr. Riter serving as
secretary and treasurer of the company.

On February 16, 1928, he was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Hickman
and they went to housekeeping in Hawarden. One daughter, Roma Rae, was born
to them. Besides the wife and daughter, he is survived by his father, J.
Philip Riter, of Hawarden; three sisters, Mrs. Pearl Shawhan, of Akron; Mrs.
Lola Morey, of Craig; and Mrs. Inez Duree, of Berkeley, Calif.; and one
brother, Lester A. Riter, of Ireton.

PROMINENT IN CIVIC LIFE
During his residence in Hawarden, Mr. Riter took a prominent and active
interest in church, business, fraternal, civic, and social affairs. He was a
life long member of the Methodist church and served as a member of the
official board of the church and as a member of the church choir. He was
active in implement trade organizations and served as a director of the Iowa
Implement Dealers association and was chairman of the code committee at the
time of his death. He was affiliated with the Masonic order and was serving
as senior warden of Dale lodge this year. For seven years he served as
secretary of the Hawarden Chamber of Commerce and in this position won
widespread praise for the intelligent direction and meticulous care which he
gave to every detail of the work, a trait which was outstanding in his
entire business career. Although he relinquished his post as Secretary of
the Chamber of Commerce a year or so ago, he continued to take an active
interest in the organization and was a member of the board of directors at
the time of his death.

He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends and
business associates who mourn his untimely death and extend expressions of
sorrow to the members of his family.

The funeral was held Friday afternoon in Hawarden, with Rev. J. A. Kettle,
of Lake Park, Iowa, formerly pastor in Ireton, conducting the service.
Interment was made in Grace Hill Cemetery. Members of the Masonic order
conducted final rites at the graveside.