Rittman, Eugene “Gene” Martin – 1918-2012

DUNN, RITTMAN

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/16/2024 at 13:49:05

Eugene "Gene" Rittman, 94, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 10 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4003 2nd Avenue, Des Moines with entombment and military honors to follow at Merle Hay Mausoleum. The family will greet friends Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines.
Gene was born January 10, 1918 in Minneapolis, MN to Martin and May Rittman. He served in the US Army, 34th Division during WWII and was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. It was during his time in London that he met his wife, Gladys and they were married July 21, 1945 in London. Following his discharge, they moved to the US where they raised their family and Gene retired in December 1981 after 41 years with the Veterans Administration as a Chief of Finance.
During his retirement, Gene and Gladys traveled extensively and their favorite pastimes included family gatherings, ballroom dancing and many church activities. His hobbies included bowling, gardening, fishing and horseshoes in which he received many first place ribbons in tournaments at the Iowa State Fair.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and May Rittman; brothers, Albert, Donald and Robert Rittman and daughter-in-law, Anna Marie Rittman.
Gene's memory will be cherished by his wife of 67 years, Gladys; his children, Alan (Victoria) Rittman of Garland, TX, David (Renee) Rittman of Ankeny, Dale (Margie) Rittman of Urbandale, Brian Rittman of Altoona, Mike (Jaynette) Rittman of Clive and Karen (Tom) Dunn of Plattsmouth, NE; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the volunteers with Road to Recovery of the American Cancer Society in Des Moines for the support they provided Gene and Gladys.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Saviour Lutheran Church or to the Des Moines Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 8364 Hickman Rd. #D, Clive, IA 50325.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, September 9, 2012, page 9B