John William Ritchie

Memorial trees planted for:

John William Ritchie

<p>John William Ritchie, age 71 of Barronett passed away September 21, 2024 at his home. He&nbsp;was born February 24, 1953 in Cumberland, WI to Brandt and Josephine (Kania) Ritchie.</p><p><br></p><p>Raised in Cumberland, John spent much of his childhood on Beaver Dam Lake with his four&nbsp;brothers, adventuring with Boy Scouts and tinkering with mechanics. John received his&nbsp;technical degree from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN, in Electrical Construction and&nbsp;Maintenance.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout the early parts of his career, John worked in the mines of the Upper Peninsula of&nbsp;Michigan and the shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin. He finally settled back in Cumberland to&nbsp;raise his family, dairy farm, and start his business, Ritchie Electric.</p><p><br></p><p>John was a true character. He was quick with a joke and had a laugh you could hear&nbsp;booming across the room. He never met a niche hobby he didn’t enjoy, and you likely&nbsp;passed John out on his recumbent bicycle or heard about one of his sailing trips on Lake&nbsp;Superior. He even had his SCUBA license by the time he turned 18.</p><p><br></p><p>For decades John volunteered with CASTA (Cumberland Area Ski Trail Association),&nbsp;creating the area's first lighted ski trail, building warming houses, and grooming trails to&nbsp;ensure our trails stayed top-notch. John completed 20 Birkebeiner ski races.</p><p><br></p><p>On May 17th, 1975, John married Tonia (Toni) Marie Zappa in Menomonie, WI. They raised&nbsp;4 children together and later divorced.</p><p><br></p><p>John leaves behind his children Corey (Carrie) Ritchie, Jeff Ritchie, Vicki (the late Kelly)&nbsp;Davis, Angela (Noble Frank) Ritchie; his grandchildren Christofer, Colton, Cylie, and Mason&nbsp;Ritchie; his great-granddaughter, Mae West; his siblings Richard (Jackie), James, Eugene&nbsp;(Karen) and Thomas Ritchie; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.</p><p><br></p><p>He was preceded in death by parents, Brandt and Josephine Ritchie; and his partner, Mary&nbsp;Persons.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>A Gathering in John's memory will be held from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Skinner Funeral Home&nbsp;in Cumberland on Friday, September 27, 2024.</p><p><br></p><p>Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.</p>
February 24, 1953 - September 21, 202402/24/195309/21/2024
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John William Ritchie
John William Ritchie
9 Trees have been planted in memory of John Ritchie.

Memorial Trees

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Your Client Success friends at The Social Lights

September 25, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of John William Ritchie has been arranged by Your Client Success friends at The Social Lights. Plant a tree
In honor of John, someone who loved nature.
A

All County Electric Supply

September 25, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of John William Ritchie has been arranged by All County Electric Supply. Plant a tree
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Your Friends & Colleagues at NEXT Electric

September 24, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of John William Ritchie has been arranged by Your Friends & Colleagues at NEXT Electric. Plant a tree
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Rich & Jackie Ritchie

September 24, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of John William Ritchie has been arranged by Rich & Jackie Ritchie. Plant a tree
For my brother John whose memory will be with us always.With Love,Rich & Jackie & Family
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Raczkiewicz Family

September 24, 2024

The planting of 5 memorial trees in the honor of John William Ritchie has been arranged by Raczkiewicz Family. Plant a tree
We are thinking of you during this difficult time!