Paul Allen Ritter, age 72 of rural Rensselaer, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, June 23, 2012. He was a lifelong area resident. Paul was born in Rensselaer on July 22, 1939, son of the late Frederick Edward and Edna Pauline (Gilbransen) Ritter. He was a graduate of Rensselaer High School. After high school, he served his Country in the U.S. Army. On January 21, 1968 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Rensselaer, he married Janet McConnell.

Paul was a grain and livestock farmer and drove a school bus for the Rensselaer Central School Corporation for 38 years, retiring last year. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. He enjoyed driving his team of horses, and he loved spending time with his grandkids.

Paul is survived by his loving family: wife Janet Ritter of Rensselaer; two sons, Daniel Edward Ritter of Rensselaer and Eric Allen Ritter (wife: Christie) of Chebanse, IL; daughter Carolyn Marie McMorrow (husband: Michael) of Remington; brother Henry Ritter (wife: Barbara) of Covington, IN; and sister Marcia Fleming of Valparaiso. Thirteen grandchildren also survive: Emma Ruth, Della Ione, Adalina Rose, Anna Kathleen, James Allen, and Jacob Virgil Ritter; Leah Danielle and Hannah Leigh Ritter; and Moriah Nicole, Jordan Riley, Aidan Tucker, Bryce Adam, and Carter Alan McMorrow. Two great-grandchildren also survive: Larry Martin Gosneigh, Jr. and Daemon Heath Gosneigh. He was preceded in death by: his parents, six sisters and two brothers.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral Services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Rensselaer, with Pastor Benjamin Hertel and Pastor Charles Blakey officiating. Interment will follow at Weston Cemetery. Donations in Paul's memory may be made to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.