Riter, Fred 1909-2003

RITER, DETLOFF

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/2/2007 at 16:27:17

Fred Riter, 94, of Le Mars, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.

Fred Riter, a lifelong Plymouth County resident, was born June 8, 1909, on a farm near Seney, the son of Edwin Henry and Dorthea (Detloff) Riter. He was raised and educated in the Seney area. Fred continued his education at Western Union (Westmar) College in Le Mars. Following his education he assisted his father with farming. Fred and Marjorie Eder were united in marriage on May 30, 1935.

Fred served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was inducted on Nov. 3, 1942, at Camp Dodge. He served overseas in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 6, 1945, having attained the rank of sergeant. Fred returned to Plymouth County and worked as a welder and metal fabricator. Fred would later become the Plymouth County treasurer, a position he held for 21 years.

Fred was an active part of his church and community. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Le Mars, Floyd Masonic Lodge #537, Le Mars Lions Club (recipient of the Warren Coleman Honorary Award) and Past Commander of Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. In 1982, he was honored as the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

He was also instrumental in the creation of the Avenue of Flags at the Plymouth County Courthouse in 1964. During his retirement years, Fred was an avid wood carver. He assisted with the carving of the totem pole located at the Le Mars Public Library and helped several others start and learn the craft. He was a member of the Northwest Iowa Woodcarvers Association.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Mary Pickens; two grandchildren, Stephanie Fuller and her husband, Joe, and Jeff Pickens all of Wenatchee, Wash.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Marjorie; a son-in-law James Pickens; brothers, Eldon and Dwight; sisters, Pauline Hanson and Marjorie Hazel.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church in Le Mars, with the Rev. Mike Janes officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars with military honors provided by the Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Friday at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Traufler, Daniel Hoffa, Carter Pitts, Rodney Scholten, Richard Albert and Charles Neuroth.