Ritzert

Donald K. Ritzert, 1st Sgt. Ret., 56, of Dixon, Mo., formerly of Chicora, passed away early Saturday morning at General Fort Leonard Wood Community Hospital at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., following a brief illness.

Donald was born on Dec. 11, 1956, in Butler. He was the son of Mary “Nim” Oesterling Ritzert of Chicora and the late Herbert R. Ritzert.

Don was a 1975 graduate of Karns City High School.

1st Sgt. Ritzert retired from the U.S. Army following a distinguished military career that spanned nearly a quarter century. The first sergeant had also earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College and had been employed for seven years with the Department of Civilian Work Force.

Don was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was a longtime member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in North Oakland. Don loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, archery, gardening and watching sports. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Barbara J. Ritzert of Dixon, Mo.; a daughter, Crystal S. McAllister and her husband, Kory, of Illinois; two sons, Shawn D. Hudson and his wife, Tarnee, of Virginia and Thomas J. Hudson of Missouri; his brothers and sisters, Joan A. Spaulding and her husband, Charles, of Mars, David “Pete” H. Ritzert and his wife, Lynn, of Emlenton, Judith Rathfon and her husband, Dr. James, of Butler, Gary R. Ritzert and his wife, Linda, of Chicora, Raymond B. Ritzert and his wife, Carol, of Depoe Bay, Ore., Rosemary McGrady and her husband, William, of Chicora, Norman U. Ritzert of Chicora, Elaine J. Burns and her husband, John, of Chicora, and Patrick J. Ritzert and his wife, Denise, of Chicora; two grandsons, Weston and Nathan McAllister; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Benjamin N. Ritzert, who died on Sept. 20, 2009.

Ritzert — Friends of Donald K. Ritzert, 1st Sgt. Ret., who passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013, will be received at the Hile Funeral Home, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A celebration of life Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, North Oakland, with the Rev. Joseph Pudichery, church pastor, and Don's uncle, the Rev. William J. Ritzert, retired Roman Catholic Priest, concelebrating.Full military honors will be accorded at the St. Joseph Church by the Chicora VFW, the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion posts, and the Readiness Command of Pittsburgh.Memorial contributions in honor of Don's life may be sent to Spirit FM, P.O. Box 800, Camdenton, MO 65020.Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.