Jon C Ritter

Jon Carlton Ritter, 82, a lifelong resident of the Michiana area, passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2026. Born on May 8, 1943, in Mishawaka, IN, he was the son of the late Carl and Gladys Marie (White) Ritter.

Jon was a proud graduate of the Mishawaka High School Class of 1962. Shortly after graduation, he began a remarkable career at RACO in South Bend, where he served as the maintenance supervisor for 47 years. His work ethic was legendary, and for 13 of those years, he had the special privilege of working alongside his son-in-law, Joel Wallis.

On March 21, 1963, Jon married the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Haywood. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family and a shared love for travel. They explored the country, from the Northern Plains to the National Parks of the West. They shared many fond memories of the shows in Las Vegas and the quiet beauty of Mackinac Island. Their trips to Kentucky to visit Brenda’s sister, Rita, and her husband, Nelson Cline, were a cherished part of their lives; Jon considered Nelson not just a brother-in-law, but his best friend and brother.

Brenda preceded him in death on December 1, 2012, after nearly 50 years of marriage.

Jon was a man of many hobbies. In his younger years, he found adventure on remote fishing trips in Canada with his buddies and on the open road with his motorcycle. Following Brenda’s passing, Jon channeled his energy into his main hobby: the building and flying experimental (EAA) airplanes. What began as a way to pass the time became a true passion. Alongside his good friend David Cooper, Jon spent countless hours in the hangar, finding joy in the design and engineering of flying machines.

A lifelong sports fan, Jon’s loyalty never wavered for Notre Dame or the Chicago Bears.

In his later years, Jon found companionship and joy again with his life partner, Nancy Harbeson. For the last decade, Nancy was his constant companion. Together, they traveled to Hawaii, danced, went boating, and never missed a chance to cheer on the Irish of Notre Dame. Nancy’s devoted care for Jon during his recent health challenges was a testament to their deep bond.

Jon is survived by his two daughters, Lora (Joel) Wallis of Osceola, IN, and Tracy Ritter (Charlet Stearney) of Plainfield, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah (Kevin) Thompson of Edgewater, FL and Michael (Ashley) Wallis of Granger, IN, and a doting "Great-Grandpa" to six great-grandchildren: Allison, William, Skylar, Lydia, Matthew, and Bennett.

Jon is also survived by his three sisters, Janet (Leonard) Niemier, Sandra Kay (Raymond) Niedbala, and Carol Franklin, a large number of nieces and nephews, and a community of friends who will miss his spirit and friendship.

A public viewing will be held at Palmer Funeral Homes - Bubb Chapel in Mishawaka, IN on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 3-5pm.  Funeral service will follow immediately afterwards.

You can watch the funeral service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erw7A7DXmrg

In lieu of flowers you can also make a donation to the American Heart Association.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.