George M. Ritger, 62, of Allenton died Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at St. Luke's Medical Center of Milwaukee.

Born to Martin and Johanna (nee Aufdermauer) Ritger Feb. 23, 1940, and raised in the town of Addison.

He married Mary H. Schlagenhaft, Oct. 1, 1960, at St. Anthony Catholic Church of St. Anthony. After marriage, the couple lived in the town of Addison. He was employed as a general laborer of Gehl Co. of West Bend for over 18 years, and later as a mechanic for Kreilkamp Trucking of Addison for over 18 years.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather of nine special granddaughters. He loved woodworking and was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, St. Lawrence.

George is survived by his wife, Mary; his mother, Johanna Maeder of Allenton; five children, Linda (Kurt) Krahn of Waukesha, David Ritger of Woodruff, Sheila (Mike) Stoffel of West Bend, Bonnie (Gus) Unertl of West Bend, and Robin (Terry) Schulz of Hartford; nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Chelsey, Aubrey, Amanda, Samantha, Amy, Lindsay, Alyssa and Elaina; three brothers, Donny (Rosie) Ritger of Kewaskum, Eugene (Mary Lou) Ritger and Marty (Penny) Ritger both of West Bend; five sisters, Pat Krueger of Theresa, Joanne (Lenny) Westphal of Slinger, Elaine (Lester) Weiss of Campbellsport, Joyce (Bud) Stoeller of Port Washington, and Rosetta (George) Rick of Prentice; one brother-in-law, Jim (Joyce) Schlagenhaft of Theresa; and one sister-in-law, Ann Faber of West Bend.

He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Martin Ritger.

A memorial Mass will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, St. Lawrence, with Rev. Richard C. Breitbach officiating.

Cremation will take place at Paradise Cremation Services with the interment of ashes at St. Anthony Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the church only, from 5 p.m. until time of service, Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Memorials are appreciated.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.