Robert Jerome ''Jerry'' Rittenhouse

Robert Jerome “Jerry” Rittenhouse, 50, a lifelong resident of Springfield passed away at 6:15 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2002 at his mother’s residence. Robert was born November 3, 1952 in Springfield the son of Robert L. and Imogene Oldridge Rittenhouse in Springfield. He married Vicky Lee Dyer October 9, 1977 in Springfield. Robert was a graduate of Griffin High School, Springfield Junior College and Illinois State University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business. He was employed as an Internal Auditor for the Illinois Secretary of State for the past 4 years. Prior to this, he was a Senior Auditor with the Illinois Department of Revenue for 20 years and a property control officer for the Illinois House of Representatives. He was a past member of the State Retirement Board. He was also active in youth sports as a couch for many softball, baseball, and basketball teams and a past officer in the Springfield Khoury League. Mr. Rittenhouse was active in local politics including being a Democrat Precinct Committeeman for many years, a past president of West Side Democrats and being involved in numerous political campaigns, including those of Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Jay Hoffman. While he was a member of AFSCME, he was a President and Chief Steward of Local 997. He helped organize city employee Local 3738 and was involved in several state contract negotiations. He was preceded in death by his father Robert in 1987 and a son, Scott in 1983. He is survived by his wife: Vicky Lee of Springfield; two sons: Brad at the University of Iowa Medical School and Jeff at home; mother: Imogene “Jean” Rittenhouse of Springfield; two brothers: John C. (wife, Mary Jane) Rittenhouse of Lisle, Dan (wife, Barbara) Rittenhouse of Springfield; two sisters: Judith Rittenhouse of Chicago, Joan (husband, Phil) Merriman of Naperville, IL; two aunts: Norma (husband, Joe) Burns of Springfield, Mary (husband, Martin) Boyer of Chicago and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 4-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2002. Visitation will begin with a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2002 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Very Reverend Kevin Vann celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 1305 Wabash, Suite J. Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Robert Jerome “Jerry” Rittenhouse is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.