Frank E. Ritterman

Frank E. Ritterman, 79 of Leeds, ND died early Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his Devils Lake home. Funeral Services for Frank will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Leeds Lutheran Church, Leeds, ND with Reverend Elaine Sveet officiating. Visitation on Wednesday, January 25th will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will continue at Leeds Lutheran Church from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service and time of remembrance at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Leeds Cemetery in the spring. Frank Everett Ritterman was born on September 26, 1937 in Rugby, ND to Rudy and Iona (Rude) Ritterman of York, ND   He was raised in the York area, attended country school through 2nd grade, York Public School, grades 3-8 and then Leeds High School.  After completing his Sophomore year he was needed at home to help his Dad with the farming.  Frank was united in marriage to Cheryl Erickson. Everett and Calvin were born to this union. He was later married to Julie Elverud  and they were blessed with  Bethany and Taylor.  Frank’s life’s work centered around agriculture. He worked on the family farm and later was the owner and operator of the farm until 1993.  He worked on several custom combining crews and eventually established his own custom harvesting business.  Frank spent many years, racking-up miles driving semi- truck, hauling grain, fertilizer and gravel.  He worked for both Lee’s Trucking and Ritterman Trucking.  Some of Frank’s favorite pastimes were talking on the phone, driving around the countryside, going to the casino and playing cards. He always felt his “best times” were with his grandkids. Frank was a baptized and confirmed member at York Lutheran Church and an active member until it closed. He then joined the Leeds Lutheran Church. Frank loved the farm and was a good steward of the land he was blessed to own. He loved his family and his grandkids were his pride and joy.  Frank is survived by his children Everett (Chantell) Ritterman of Devils Lake, Bethany (Ben) Mack of Orrin, ND, Calvin (Abbey Dockendorf) Ritterman of Otsego, MN and Taylor (Chelsie) Ritterman of Kindred, ND; eight grandchildren Levi Volk, Kade and Lakyn Ritterman, Jadyn, Addi, Brilee and soon to be born baby boy Mack and Paisley Ritterman; siblings Janet Nybo, York, ND, Charles (Judi) Ritterman, Fargo, ND and Leland Ritterman, Leeds; brother-in-law Derrel Britsch of Devils Lake, ND special aunt Bernice Hilzendager of Rugby, ND  and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James, Phillip and Ronald Ritterman; sister Anne Britsch; brother-in-law Donald Nybo; sisters-in-law Judy Ritterman and Carol Ritterman. Casket Bearers are Paul Christenson, Tony Nieman, Robert Ritterman, Rodney Ritterman, Ed Beckedahl, Terry Belgarde and David Nybo. Honorary Bearers will be Frank’s Grandchildren.  Music will be provided by Dan and MiChelle Nybo and special recordings chosen by the family.