Jeffrey C. Ritter

Jeffrey Clifford Ritter age 63, was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord on May 14, 2021. He was born to William and Joyce Ritter on Nov. 11, 1957 in Greenfield, Wis. He shared his life with Cindi Ritter (Malzahn) and blessed into the union of marriage on Aug. 29, 1981. He often sang with the radio Garth Brooks’ Song “If Tomorrow Never Comes” focusing on the words: “If tomorrow never comes, will she know how much I loved her? Did I try in every way to show her every day that she’s my only one And if my time on Earth were through, and she must face this world without me. Is the love I gave her in the past, gonna be enough to last, if tomorrow never comes.”  Jeff graduated in 1975 from Casimir Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, Wis. He was baptized into the family of Christ April 13, 1980 and continued to explore his faith and felt a call to serve the Lord. He pursued his education at Lakeland University, Sheboygan, Wis., and obtained a Master of Divinity Degree from the United Theological Seminary, Minnesota. Jeff and Cindi were blessed with three children during his academic years. Jessica Keehn (Kory Keehn) of Monroe and their children, Helaina, Theodore and Everhet; Rob Ritter (Giselle Gonzales) of Hartland , Wis., and their children, Isaiah and William; and Cliff Ritter (Kelly Ritter) of Jackson, Wis., and their children Hannah, Brooklyn and Aspen. One song that influenced the Ritter Critters was Holly Dunn’s song: Daddy’s Hands.  “Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’ Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong. Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle, but I have come to understand. There was always love in Daddy’s Hands. “  Jeff loved to work on cars and share tips and tricks for repair, but his true love was reaching people where they were at with love and compassion. He could share the love the Lord and inspire youth of all ages to experience God’s daily blessing. His passion was involvement with Christian Education. As you reflect on these words from the song Father’s Eyes, Jeff would want you to consider Our Father the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for us.  “When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say,   She’s got her Father’s eyes  Eyes that find the good in things when good is not around. Eyes that find the source of help when help just can’t be found. Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain. Knowing what you’re going through and feeling it the same. Just like my Fathers Eyes.”  Relaxing at their Sweet Retreat brought Jeff peace and renewed his spirit, Jeff and Cindi have enjoyed a permanent site at Tomorrow Woods Campground for 20 years. The glow of the campfire and gathering with our summer family gave Jeff opportunities to share his stories and adventures. Once of the campfire songs he enjoyed was:  “It only takes a spark, to get a fire going.   And soon all those around, will warm up in its glowing  That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to sing, its fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.”  A private celebration of life will be held at Tomorrow Woods Campground officiated by Pastor Lance Smith, United Church of Christ, Monticello, Wis. Memorial donations accepted at Woodford State Bank (608) 325-7766 in a Memorial Fund “In Memory of Jeff Ritter.“ All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.