Duane R. Ritchie, age 87, of Placentia, CA (formerly Clintonville) passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.
Duane Russell Ritchie was born on a dairy farm in Clintonville on October 10, 1931 to Russell and Theresa (Sawicki) Ritchie. He attended Clintonville High School. After graduating he worked at the Hanson Glove Factory before joining the U.S. Army in 1952. He served from October 1952 to July 1954. Duane married his high school sweetheart Mildred “Milly” Breed and attended the University of Wisconsin, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. When he graduated, the couple moved to Southern California to work at the Hughes Aircraft Company. During this time he attended the University of Southern California where he obtained his Master’s Degree. He retired from Hughes in 1986 at the age of 55. Duane married his wife Christine in the Catholic Church in England in 1987. They lived in Fullerton, Laguna Hills and finally Placentia, California.
Survivors include his wife Christine, a son Darren, a daughter Amanda (her husband Brad), and a son Zachary (his wife Annette). There are ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Curt, sister-in-law Kathleen, and nephews Michael and Russell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Fr. John “Jack” Mullarkey and Deacon Lincoln Wood will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Military Honors will be provided at church by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. Friends may call on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the family.