Obituaries : Thomas F. Ritter

Thomas F. Ritter, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (formerly of Belle Plaine, Iowa) passed away March 3, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Tom was born March 21, 1945, to Lester Ritter and Norma (Robert) Coulter in Waverly, Iowa. He graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi. Following school, he worked for the Manchester lumber yard. Tom met Marcella "Dee" Ledeker while she was working at the Dairy Queen in Manchester. The couple were married on May 21, 1965. Together they settled in Hiawatha, Iowa. Tom drove truck for Little Jinny Trucking and Hawkeye Refrigeration. In the early 90s, Tom and Dee began Ritter Trucking, which brought them to Belle Plaine, Iowa. Tom drove while Dee worked dispatch and organized the business. After retirement, Tom continued to drive truck for Elliott Brothers in Dysart.

When Tom was not working, he enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and motorcross in his youth. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and traveling with Dee.

He is survived by his children, Mickie (Jim) Williams of Coggan, Tommy (Julie Stone) Ritter of Shellsburg, Nickcole (Matt) Dejoode of Belle Plaine and Timothy Ritter of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and beloved dog, Lucy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dee Ritter (2022); grandchildren, Christopher Stone and Tommy J. Ritter; infant daughter, Tammy; brothers, Lynn Ritter and George Ritter; and sister, Carolyn Moriarity.

Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Private family burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Earlville, Iowa, on a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.