Howard John Rittgarn

Howard John Rittgarn, 76, of Richland Center, WI, formerly Plainfield, IL, left us on Monday, May 29th, 2023, with his family and best friends at his side. He was born on February 18th, 1947, in Geneva, IL, the son of John and Ruth (Bunge) Rittgarn. Howard married Mary Kowalczyk in Naperville, IL, on May 10, 1980. Survivors include his wife Mary Rittgarn of Richland Center, WI; son, Alan (Laura) Rittgarn of Cherry Valley, IL; step-daughter, Monica (Gio) Perez of Corona, CA; 4 grandchildren, Olivia, Dominic, Donovan, Gideon Perez; 3 siblings, Helen (Gary) Dowling of Houston, TX, Don Rittgarn of Muscoda, WI, Marilyn Teiwes of Richland Center, WI; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Howard was the epitome of selflessness. He gave everything of himself, and never asked for anything in return. If you knew Howard, it’s more than likely that at some point he helped you without being asked…probably multiple times. Driveways in a blizzard, grass in the summer, his heart and generosity knew no bounds even if he didn’t know you, he was there if you needed him. Tiny, his handle from his 3+ decades driving semis, loved his family, his home, grape nehis, and his yard…most likely not in that order. Nothing would put a bigger smile on his face than seeing his grandkids. In addition to an award winning green thumb, Howie “Griswold” made every Christmas unforgettable whether it was with an amazing light display or by wrapping a present with a roll or two of duct tape. The neighborhood knew the start of the Holiday season was the night he turned the lights on. The passion with which he took on each task was infectious. If he was going to do something, he was going to do it right…and it was going to be expensive. While he may never have intended to be the life of every party, the charm and charisma never took long to show themselves. Every picture was full of smiles and he was always at the center. He could tell a story dozens of times, but it did not matter, his audience listened as if it was the first time. He was one of a kind and anyone who ever met him would agree. His family was blessed to have him in their lives and his memory will live on. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held by the family on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Jim & Jamie Yocum home, 1417 Lark Lane, Naperville, IL 60565 The Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .

Howard John Rittgarn

February 18, 1947 - May 29, 2023