Donald E. Rittgers

Donald E. Rittgers, age 88, of Rolfe, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones. Private Family Services were held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rolfe, with interment in Powhatan Cemetery near Plover. Military Rites were conducted by the Rolfe American Legion. Powers Funeral Home of Rolfe handled the arrangements.
Donald Eugene Rittgers was born on May 29, 1936, on the family farm near Rolfe. He was the son of Jacob and Jeane (Scheffers) Rittgers. Don was raised on the family farm, graduating from D.M.T. High School in 1954. Following graduation, Don entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1956. He returned to Iowa after his service and continued his education at Iowa State University, where he studied Farm Operations. On July 17, 1960, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beatrice Haynes at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. The couple settled on their family farm near Rolfe where they farmed and raised their family.
Don was a past member of the United Presbyterian Church in Rolfe. Don loved all aspects of farming, from crop farming to livestock, and recently raised goats. His son and grandsons will continue his farming legacy. In addition to farming, he also enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends where he was able to express his witty humor and stubborn opinions in lengthy conversations. He was a jack of all trades who would fix things his way, whether it was right or wrong. Don was the rock of the family, loved immensely, and will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Bea-Anne; son, Dave (Janell) Rittgers of Rolfe; daughters, Rhonda (Steve) Gustafson of Paton, Brenda (Alan) Dudley of Stuart and Donna Tisue of Sumner; grandchildren, Jacob (Victoria) Rittgers, Jonathan (Savanah) Rittgers, Mackenzie (Justin) Carlson, Bryce Gustafson, Ryan Gustafson, Jeff (Lindy) Dudley, Greg (Jaren) Dudley, Grant (Haley) Dudley, Jennifer (Chris) Hildenbrand, Megan (Bryce) Warnke, Austin (Taylor) Tisue and Andrew Tisue; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Aaron Rittgers, Stella, Lucy and Delilah Rittgers, Colt and Laramie Carlson, Cambree, Neal and Elsie Dudley, Evryn Dudley, Harper and Henry Dudley, and Briggs and Barron Warnke, a sister, Joan Burns of Humboldt and sister-in-law, Stephanie Haynes of Arizona, and additional family and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Jackie Dean; younger brother, Allen; parents-in-law, Keith and Florence Haynes, brother-in-law, Kent Haynes and nephew, Joel Haynes.