Otto Richard Ritter, 84, of Lacombe, Alberta, united with his Lord and Saviour in Heaven on January 1^st, 2021, passing peacefully in his sleep.

Otto was born to George and Emma in Lisburn, Alberta at the family homestead on August 10^th, 1936.  Otto attended school until grade 9 until an accident requiring surgery.  Once healed, Otto began working for Molson Construction to pay his medical debts, buy his first car, and eventually save enough funds to purchase a BA Station and restaurant in Fox Creek, AB at the age of 24.  Otto married his sweetheart Desiree Coulson on August 20, 1960.  For 10 years, Otto ran the BA service station, was involved with the Lions and Curling clubs, purchased & managed 2 trailer courts, while lovingly guiding 4 sons.  As councilman, he planned for and served the community of Fox Creek when it became a town in 1967.  In 1985, he was awarded Fox Creek’s Citizen of the Year award.  In 1970 with the service station sold, Otto’s ‘retirement’ gave him opportunity to act as foreman for the build of Fox Creek’s Community Chapel.  Seeing countless answers to prayer, Otto increased his church involvement as board member, Sunday School teacher, and assisting with its Christian school.  His family expanded welcoming his daughter and, later, another son.  Otto accepted a contract with Hudson Bay to maintain 172 company houses for 15 years.  Otto found the time to hunt and fish with family and friends, be actively involved with Ross Haven Bible Camp at Lac Ste. Anne, the Yellowhead Conservative constituency, and support and encourage his wife, children, their spouses, and grandchildren.  Before retiring to Lacombe in 2005, Otto sold Real Estate for 15 years.  He received the Alberta Medal recognizing outstanding service to the people of Alberta, joined the Gideons, volunteered at Building Blocks not for profit store, and became involved with Camp Silversides on Gull Lake.  He began facing health challenges including heart issues, a broken C7 in his neck, and a brain tumour leaving him deaf.  Despite this, he remained full of joy and peace to his very last day, sharing the Good News of Jesus.

Otto is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Desiree Ritter, along with his 6 children Rick, Alan (Carolyn), Chris (Elaine), Shane (Alanna), Amber (Bryan), and Matthew (Thina).  23 grandchildren: Lianne (Brent), Nelson (Lyla), Joel, Rhett, Shawn, Cody (Jenifer), Ashley (Nathan), Jarrod, Jesse, David, Heather, Sarah, Robert (Carly), Savanna, Jacqueline, Russel, Calvin, Sam, Mitch (Anita), Justin, Megan, Keyano, & Mateaka.  8 great grandchildren.  Brothers Chris and John.  He will also be remembered by sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Otto was predeceased by his parents George and Emma.  Brothers Gus, Henry, and Rudy and sister Ann.

We will be adding information pertaining to the service and live streaming as it becomes available.

• Date : 2021-01-01
• Location : Red Deer, AB