Richard Rittel
Edward Richard Rittel, 61, died May 12, 2002, at Marion Manor after a two-and-one-half-year battle with cancer.
The son of Edward and Nettie Irene (Rempel) Rittel, he was born March 25, 1941, at Salem Hospital, Hillsboro.
Following graduation from Marion High School he attended Wichita State University and the Wichita Technical Institute.
He worked as an electronic technician for Kansas Highway Patrol in Topeka before moving back to Marion. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves in Herington in the 1960s.
Until his health prevented it, he delivered the Wichita Eagle. He was appreciated by his route customers for his extra effort at making sure the papers were placed at the door each morning. He also was known for the prize-winning roses he grew and his interest in carpentry.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Dennis Stephen.
Survivors include his sister, Patricia Linder, a niece, Tracy Lynn Linder, and nephew, Ora Lee Linder, all of Lamar, Colo.
Funeral services were held Friday at Zeiner Funeral Home with the Rev. Kennedy Mukwindidza officiating.
Greg Bowers sang "Fairest Lord Jesus" and "For The Beauty of the Earth." Shirley Bowers was organist.
Casket bearers were John Reznicek, Larry Olsen, Robert Nickel, Caleb Abbott, Eugene Christensen, and Herb Regier.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established with Marion City Library.
