Gary Leon Ritchie, 86, of Lincoln, passed away October 12, 2019 at Holmes Lake Manor. He was born on September 6, 1933 in McCook, NE to J. Wayne & Irene (Kannow) Ritchie.
Gary met his future wife, Gweneth Annette Gardner, while working on her family’s farm in Max, NE. After serving overseas in the Korean War, they were finally married on August 19, 1956 and moved to Florida to start their new life together. Gary was stationed at Tyndall AFB but, upon leaving the Air Force, they decided to move back to Nebraska and eventually set up house in Lincoln, NE where they raised 3 children – sons Garland & Gordon and daughter Greta. Gary affectionately called his new family the “Five G’s”.
Gary was known for his exceptionally strong work ethic. He worked in Federal Surplus Property for the State of Nebraska and then later transitioned to the Nebraska Department of Roads from which he retired in 1996.
Among Gary’s many hobbies were golfing, woodworking, gardening, playing cards, watching football & baseball and traveling. He was also a very competitive putt-putt golfer and was extremely hard to beat! One of his proudest accomplishments was that he had visited all 50 states and collected caps from everywhere he went. At last count, he had approximately 200 caps on display at his home. His favorite things to build in his woodworking shop were birdhouses and bird feeders. Many people have been the grateful recipients of elaborate & well-designed “bird projects” that he gave away for free.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Gweneth; sons Garland Ritchie of Oakland, Iowa and Gordon Ritchie of Lincoln, NE; daughter Greta Ritchie of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Elizabeth Ritchie, Cortney Bos, Gregory Ritchie, Timothy Ritchie and Zachary Ritchie all of Lincoln, NE; 4 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces & nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Roper & Sons South Chapel – 40th & Yankee Hill Rd in Lincoln, NE.
Memorials should be directed to Holmes Lake Manor or Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Lincoln, NE.