Fred R. Ritschard

Oct. 23, 1928 - May 31, 2018

SOUTH BEND - Fred R. Ritschard Jr., 89, of South Bend, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018 in his residence. He was born October 23, 1928 in South Bend, to the late Fred Ritschard Sr. and Remedios Ojanguren. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Donald Ritschard on January 15, 2009.

Fred graduated from South Bend Central High School, and served in the Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. During his lifetime he was associated with Fred Ritschard & Sons and later with Ritschard Bros. Inc. Excavating & Demolition Company. He retired from there on December 31, 1993.

On October 14, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Hunt, who passed away April 14, 2003.

He is survived by three children, Linda Ritschard, Fred Ritschard lll (Julie), and Randy Ritschard (Diane); granddaughters, Bridget Murray and Lauren Ritschard (Sarah); grandsons, Brandon Ritschard and Jordan Ritschard; great-granddaughter, Brianna Murray; great-grandson, Roemello Murray; great-great-grandson, Roemello Murray Jr.; Fred's brother, Carmelo Ritschard; his sister, Delores “Dolly” Fischer; cousin, Juliet McDowell, several nieces and nephews, and Fred's fiance and loving caregiver, Mary Ziebell.

Fred's hobbies were playing the accordion, horseback riding, traveling, and jitterbug dancing to “Rock around the Clock”, “Hound Dog”, “Kansas City”, and many more.

Since 2008, Fred, Mary Ziebell, Pam Geirnaert, Sherry Kurzhal, Larry Corpe, and Dick Houston have been operating the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Per Fred's wishes, there will be no visitation, but all are invited to the graveside Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, with Military Honors to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 3, 2018.

02/23/2023 EJS