Bernard's Memorial Video

Bernie Ritchie's Funeral Mass Video

Bernard Mitchell Ritchie, age 87 of New London passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at ThedaCare in Appleton.  He was born on September 2, 1936 in Deer Creek to the late Doinysia "Doc" and Florance (Joubert) Ritchie. Bernie was a member of the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard.  He met the love of his life, Charleene Ravey at Bear Lake Roller Rink in Manawa and they got married on December 11, 1954.  Together they celebrated 65 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death in 2020.  Together they had seven children that learned to love burnt eggs with curtains.  He was a hard worker that worked from sun up until sun down to support his family.  Bernie used his hands his entire life, building and remodeling over 125 houses through his career.  If you drive through the New London area, you can tell the ones he built.  His favorite colors were brown and green.  He raised his children on the Wolf River, teaching them to fish and hunt, and now has handed that down to his grandchildren.  Bernie served as the chief on the Mukwa Fire Department for many years and put together many famous Mukwa corn roasts.  He coached women's softball and later in life took up the sport of golf, which he also taught his grandchildren.  Bernie continued teaching his craft of building to the many members of his family.  He never took off work, however once a year he spent a week up north with his family.  Bernie built a camper for them to spend time in and make many amazing memories.  Everything from fishing, swimming and making s'mores over the fire!  He also spent time making memories with family members traveling to Alaska, Canada, Florida, California and Lac Vieux Desert.

Bernie is survived by his children, Mike (Pam) Ritchie, JoAnne (Jerry) Piotter, Peggy Burton, Bernie (Barb) Ritchie Jr. and Cindy Ritchie (special friend, Al Anderson); daughter-in-law, Karen Ritchie; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Rosie (Dan) Schultz, Margaret Rasmussen, Noni (Art) Gorges and Rita Werth; brother, Dave (Bonnie) Ritchie and sister-in-law, Darla Ritchie.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife;  his parents; sons, Ken and Terry "Chum" Ritchie; grandchildren, Eric, Scott and Heidi; brother, LeRoy; sisters, Phyllis (Gene) Laughlin and Lorraine (Carl) Kettner; son-in-law, Willy Burton; brothers-in-law, Bob Rasmussen, Terry Werth and Russell Rusch and sisters-in-law, Janice (Nick) Schiavone, Charlotte Mallot and Jen (Bob) Rajek.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bernie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. Phil Schoofs officiating.  The visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.