Benjamin "Ben" Joseph Ritter

Benjamin “Ben” Joseph Ritter, of Milwaukee, died Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the age of 44. He was born in River Falls, WI on July 24, 1971 the son of Erwin Ritter and Brigitta (nee Breu) Ritter-McGrorty. He was a 1989 graduate of Waukesha North High School. Ben was a talented artist who loved working with his hands and learned the craft of woodworking in Sante Fe, NM. His love of the southwest stayed with him and he returned there several times. He created furnishings and enjoyed hardwood floor installation and restoration. He also had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, nature and traveling throughout the United States. He was proud of his road trip to Washington D.C. in his VW Van. Ben had a surprising ability to remember facts as well as trivia from music to sitcoms. He was a history buff, classic movie fan, and appreciative of all kinds of music. A determined man, he could do anything he set his mind to. He was kind and caring and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Ben embraced his German heritage, and tradition was important to him. He cherished his freedom and family, loved to talk and was loved by everyone he met. Ben lived life to the fullest. He will always be remembered for his kind, non-judgmental and comforting nature and as a loving son and brother.

He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted mother Brigitta McGrorty (Breu Ritter) of Waukesha, his beloved brother Andy (Emily Li) Ritter of Cudahy, his aunt Renata (the late Fred) Sullivan of Houston, TX and his cousins Brigitte (Baldemar) Robledo and Anthony (Laura) Sullivan. He is further survived by his loyal companion Tessa an Old English Bulldogge, other relatives in Germany and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father Erwin Ritter, his step-father Rocky McGrorty and his grandparents Alois and Emma Breu.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Visitation continues on Wednesday, May 11th at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Curt Frederick will preside. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee. Memorials in Ben’s name are appreciated to HAWS, 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188.