John Michael Ritter, 70, Rogers, MN, formerly of Brooklyn Park, died suddenly on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 while fishing and enjoying his true passion for the outdoors.

He was born on May 15, 1948 in Minneapolis to Vernon and Philomene (Stelmaszewski) Ritter.  John attended Patrick Henry High School graduating in 1966.  He drove for UPS for a short time prior to going into the service.  John was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War.  He married Debra Katchmark on December 1, 1973 in Robbinsdale.  John loved playing broomball and softball for various teams in his younger years.  He worked for American Lumber for a short time and later Georgia Pacific until his retirement.  He truly loved being outdoors fishing, hunting, golfing, and socializing with his friends, especially the Northsiders.  John's greatest love was his family and he was an extremely proud Dad and Papa.  He spent much of his time at the family cabin on Big Trout Lake in Manhattan Beach and later enjoyed time at his cabin on Lake Mary in Emily.  John will be remembered by many for his teasing  of kids, smart ass sense of humor, and his loyal friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Philomene Ritter.

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Deb; two children: Mike (Christel) Ritter of St. Louis Park and Kelly (Mike) McKeon of Plymouth; granddaughter: Emily McKeon; three siblings: Janice Disch of Maple Grove; Jim (Phyllis) Ritter of Cross Lake; and Julie (Bruce) Lockwood of Cross Lake; mother-in-law: Loretta Katchmark of Crystal; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, Northsiders, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Monday, January 28, 2019 in Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2 ^nd St. NE, Osseo, MN.  A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 10:30 am with visitation one hour prior in Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN.  Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the Minneapolis/Richfield American Legion Post 435, 6501 Portland Ave, Richfield.  A funeral procession will leave the American Legion at 1:15 PM and proceed to Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  Burial with Military Honors along with an Expression of Patriotism shown by the Patriot Guard will be held at 1:45 PM (Assembly Area #2).

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.