Barbara Angela Ritterpusch's Obituary
Barbara Angela Ritterpusch (nee Broening) passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, July 9, 2018 at the Hope Hospice House in Fort Myers, Florida. Barbara was born on January 17, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland.Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) David St. John Ritterpusch. Barbara and David married in 1966 after a whirlwind courtship of 2 months. As a military family, they moved around the country ten times with their beloved sons, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Kurt David Ritterpusch and Keil Joseph Ritterpusch, Esq.During their four years at Fort Sheridan, Illinois (1979-1983), when the Army was fielding the original “Be All You Can Be” advertising and recruiting campaign, Barbara and Dave traveled throughout the Midwest with both sons for various sports, especially wrestling, in which the sons captured many State, Midwest Regional and National medals.At the Army War College in 1987 and 1988, Barbara worked extensively with thirty foreign military officers and their wives teaching English as a second language and U.S. History. Her students were from all over the world, including Indonesia, Germany, Ghana, Argentina, Senegal, and Cameroon. Barbara was given an award by the Army and the War College for her efforts.Barbara was renowned for hosting fabulous indoor and outdoor parties. One of her most memorable parties was a two-hundred guest event in June of 2008 celebrating both sons birthdays and Kurt’s return from his second combat tour in Iraq.Barbara and Dave’s oldest son, Kurt, is married to Barb Ritterpusch, and they live near Fort Hood in Belton, Texas. Their youngest son, Keil, is married to Angela Payne Ritterpusch, and they reside in Leesburg, Virginia.Barbara, aka “Mimi” — the endearing nickname she adopted in 1998 when she became a grandmother for the first time — was the very proud and loving Mimi to Katharine Rubye Ritterpusch (1998 – daughter of Keil and Angie); Henry William Ritterpusch (2000 – son of Kurt); Mary Louise Ritterpusch (2003 – daughter of Kurt); and Wilson St. John Ritterpusch (2004 – son of Keil and Angie). In 2006, Mimi and Pop-Pop welcomed two step-grandchildren, Carrie and Jacob Wehmeyer. Mimi absolutely loved spending time with her family and friends, but nothing compared to the joy she had in spending time with her husband, their children, their grandchildren and their sweet white Schnauzer Snow and their famous cat (“TFC”) Mickey Marat.Barbara had a large network of friends and family that adored her. She is survived by brother Gerald Broening, sisters Ruth Huggins, Grace Sailors, Kathy Bird, Margaret Neville, Ellen Currotto and sister-in-law Janice Richter. Barbara also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.A memorial service was held for Barbara Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel, 101 McNair Avenue (near the Post Exchange), Fort Myer, VA 22211.A final funeral service will be held for Barbara at 9 AM on MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2018 at the FT MYER (VA) OLD POST CHAPEL. Immediately following the service, Barbara will be interred in ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the “Barbara Ritterpusch Standard of Excellence” Fund c/o Blair Academy Wrestling, PO Box 600, Blairstown, NJ 07825. Attn: Craig Hall, Chief – Advancement Office.
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