LaVon W. "Dutch" Ritchie

LaVon W. “Dutch” Ritchie, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the age of 82. He was born October 31, 1938, in the farmland of Crawford County, Wisconsin, the youngest of Stanley and Lucy (Taft) Ritchie’s nine children. Coming from a large family, nothing was more important to him. In 1955, LaVon met the love of his life, Mary (Ward), and he was fascinated by her the rest of his life. He felt like a king on May 26, 1962, when they became husband and wife. They made their home in Fitchburg, where they raised beautiful gardens and three children. 

LaVon served in the Army from 1958-1960, and was stationed in Germany. He then worked at the Richard Ela Company in Madison until his retirement. He loved gardening, canning, woodworking, watching sports, listening to country music, and spending time with family.

LaVon is survived by his sons Al Ritchie of Fitchburg, and Andrew (Jill) Ritchie of Cross Plains; daughter Amy (Scott) Pierquet of Lodi; grandchildren Dylan, Ashlyn and Katryna Ritchie, Kayla and Dakota Pierquet. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary.

Throughout his life, LaVon was blessed to be very close with his brothers and sisters-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.  Some have passed; some remain.  But all of them brought him immeasurable joy.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, at the Kendall Funeral Home in Boscobel, followed by burial in the Haney Ridge Cemetery. Those wishing to send cards or memorials can do so by sending them c/o Amy Pierquet, W10994 Eagle Drive, Lodi WI 53555. Online condolences may be made at www.kendallfuneralservice.com

The family would like to express its gratitude to two very special caregivers, Connie and Polly, for the comfort and companionship they gave to our parents during their final weeks, and to the staff of Agrace Hospice for their generosity and compassion.

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