Pettis County, Mo., Obituary

Joseph L. Ritzo, 61, of Sedalia, died Saturday, Jan 31, 1998, at Bothwell Regional Health Center. He was born July 17, 1936, in Omaha, Neb., a son of Joseph Peter and Violet Hazel Cook Ritzo. On Feb. 17, 1968, in Cole Camp, he was married to Sandra G. Mueller, who survives of the home.

Mr. Ritzo was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he was an usher. He was on the church board of trustees and the church newsletter committee. He was a strong supporter of St. Paul's Lutheran School. He worked for the Sedalia Water Department for more than 20 years and was the vehicle maintenance manager there. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, model cars, hunting, fishing and gardening.

Surviving are three sons, Steven Ritzo and James Ritzo, both of Sedalia, Gaylon Ritzo of Green Ridge; two daughters, Tamara R. Lanam of Allen Park, Mich. and Jennifer L. Crane of Concordia; two sisters, Marilyn Smith of Jefferson City and Sally DiBiase of Omaha, Neb., and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joseph Cochran; and a sister, Charlotte Kilmer.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Bert Eickhoff offciating. Pallbearers will be Larry Allen, Melvin Monsees, Carl Thetford, Charlie Brosch, Dennis Davis and Harold Bergmann. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Ewing Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The family suggests contributions to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School.