George E. Rittgers, 80, of Troy IL was called home by his heavenly Father on June 6, 2022. Born in Crocker MO to Maynard (Bob) and Bertie (Kinsley) Rittgers. After high school, he worked for Kendall Oil Company in St. Louis. Later, he worked at Granite City Steel in the Coke Ovens retiring after 36 years of faithful service. He served the community as a volunteer at Ministries Unlimited Food Pantry and St. Jerome's Church.

George was a quiet, kind, soft-spoken man who always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed tinkering on his classic Mustang convertible, putzing around in his garage, working in his beautiful flower gardens, and watching the critters romp around in his backyard. He also enjoyed going to classic car shows, visiting NASCAR tracks, attending PBR bull riding events, and going to the Muny. George and Veronica enjoyed traveling around the country and Canada in their motor home, visiting botanical gardens, camping on southern beaches, and spending time in Branson. He was a master mechanic who learned how to rebuild car engines as a teenager working in his Dad's gas station. He never met an engine or tool he didn't like!

He is survived by his soulmate and love of his life of 42 years, Veronica Goraczkowski Rittgers, children Lonnie Goraczkowski, G. L. (Patty) Rittgers, and Kristian (Allan) Payne, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, siblings, Naomi Myrick, Nettie Cline, Spike (Joan) Rittgers, Bonnie (Terry) Harris, Joyce (Jim) Blair, brother-in-law Don (Louise) Brune, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Laura Brune, Connie Wright, and Darlene Hodge, and brothers-in-law, Jim Myrick and John Cline.

Memorials may be made to Siteman Cancer Center Research, 4921 Parkview Pl, Saint Louis, MO 63110 . Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Visitation for George will be held 9:30 to 11:30 am Friday, June 10, 2022 at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL

A celebration of life will be held 11:30 am on Friday, June 10, 2022 at RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL, with Deacon Bob Crosby officiating.  Interment will be at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Glen Carbon, IL.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Tory, IL