DeWayne James Ritzschke

A Celebration of Life and Time of Sharing for DeWayne Ritzschke, of Donnelly, Minnesota, will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris.  Reverend Emmy Swedlund will be officiating.  A visitation will begin on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  

DeWayne James Ritzschke was born on July 16, 1957, to Perry Raymond and Ardith Rosette Lorraine (Bailey Jones) Ritzschke in Morris, Minnesota.  He was raised on the family farm; and lived in the Herman, Donnelly, and Morris areas.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Herman Methodist Church in Herman.  DeWayne received his education in the Herman and Morris school districts. Following his schooling, he worked with Great Plains Supply in Chokio, constructing pole buildings and grain bins.  He made a move to Boise, Idaho, for a few years before moving back home.  He worked at Culligun in Morris before starting DeWayne Ritzschke Construction, retiring in July of 2020.  In 1980, DeWayne met Deanna Heuer at a graduation party; a couple months later, he ran into her at The Met in Morris where he asked her on a date.  This began their relationship, and they made their home for a short time in Morris before moving to Donnelly. 

DeWayne was always an early riser and hard worker.  In his earlier years, he would get up to do horse chores before school.  In addition to his work, he was always willing to help with tasks and ‘handyman’ work for residents of Donnelly and Morris.  DeWayne donated his time to the Donnelly Threshing Bee, working with engines, and doing concrete and construction work.  He and Deanna enjoyed traveling to different flea markets and threshing bees, attending rodeos, the races in Alexandria, and several county fairs.  DeWayne had a love of the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping at Red Rock and gardening. He especially loved to cook and barbecue for Deanna. He cherished the time that he was able to spend with his family and friends.  DeWayne loved watching and feeding the birds and also finding a good bargain at garage sales. 

DeWayne died on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris; he was 65 years old. 

DeWayne is survived by his life partner, Deanna Heuer of Donnelly; siblings: Karen (Dale) Boothby of Wheaton, Ardith Nefzger of Erskine, Robert (Jean) Ritzschke of Alberta, and Gary “Pinkie” (Janet Hagen) Ritzschke of Kensington; brothers-in-law: Larry Smith of Roseberg, OR, and Bill Kruize of Fergus Falls; sister-in-law, Jackie Ritzschke of Denton, TX; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.  He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Carolyn Smith and Barb Kruize; brother Donald Ritzschke; nephew, Kory Kruize; and great-niece, Kenzie Kraft.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for DeWayne.  To send condolences to the family, on-line, visit www.pedersenfh.com.