Donald Leroy Rittgers

Donald LeRoy Rittgers, of Shell Rock, passed away peacefully at Shell Rock Senior Living on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He was born in New Hartford on February 10, 1935, son of Lawrence and Esther (Ballhagen) Rittgers. Don graduated from New Hartford High School with the Class of 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from June of 1957 until May 1959, stationed in Germany among other places. Don married Frances Mae Jensen on November 12, 1966, at Fredsville Lutheran Church. He was a farmer his entire life proudly raising crops and animals.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; siblings, Gladys (Calvin) Elliott, Eugene (Marvel), Merle (Rose Ella), Ralph, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Ardith Rittgers. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Arlene Rittgers of Park Rapids, MN; nieces, nephews and other beloved family members as well as close friends and neighbors.

Don's family will honor him with a Visitation from 1 – 3:00 pm on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home ending with Military Honors promptly at 3:00. Per his wishes, Don will be cremated, then buried next to Frances at a later date at Fredsville Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.