John William Ritchie, age 71 of Barronett passed away September 21, 2024 at his home. He was born February 24, 1953 in Cumberland, WI to Brandt and Josephine (Kania) Ritchie.

Raised in Cumberland, John spent much of his childhood on Beaver Dam Lake with his four brothers, adventuring with Boy Scouts and tinkering with mechanics. John received his technical degree from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN, in Electrical Construction and Maintenance.

Throughout the early parts of his career, John worked in the mines of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin. He finally settled back in Cumberland to raise his family, dairy farm, and start his business, Ritchie Electric.

John was a true character. He was quick with a joke and had a laugh you could hear booming across the room. He never met a niche hobby he didn’t enjoy, and you likely passed John out on his recumbent bicycle or heard about one of his sailing trips on Lake Superior. He even had his SCUBA license by the time he turned 18.

For decades John volunteered with CASTA (Cumberland Area Ski Trail Association), creating the area's first lighted ski trail, building warming houses, and grooming trails to ensure our trails stayed top-notch. John completed 20 Birkebeiner ski races.

On May 17th, 1975, John married Tonia (Toni) Marie Zappa in Menomonie, WI. They raised 4 children together and later divorced.

John leaves behind his children Corey (Carrie) Ritchie, Jeff Ritchie, Vicki (the late Kelly) Davis, Angela (Noble Frank) Ritchie; his grandchildren Christofer, Colton, Cylie, and Mason Ritchie; his great-granddaughter, Mae West; his siblings Richard (Jackie), James, Eugene (Karen) and Thomas Ritchie; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by parents, Brandt and Josephine Ritchie; and his partner, Mary Persons.

A Gathering in John's memory will be held from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Sep 25, 2024 4:38 pm CDT