Mark Ritter

MARK T. RITTER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Mark Todd Ritter was born September 9, 1961 to Harold and Madeline (Muth) Ritter. Mark attended Franklin elementary, Whittier Jr. High and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1978. Mark then attended Southeast Area Vo-Tech graduating in 1981 with an automotive mechanics associate degree. Mark began working at Taco Johns’ in Sioux Falls when he was 15 years old. During his time in Sioux Falls Mark trained a number of individuals that have since gone on to own or operate Taco John’s in other cities. In 1984 Mark left Sioux Falls for Idaho Falls where he was the General Manager for the Pocatello and Idaho Falls, Idaho Taco John’s. Mark bought shares of the business and eventually owned the stores on his own. Mark loved the outdoors. He found that Idaho was a great place to live. He enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons, and the milder winters of Idaho. Mark was an avid golfer, with a season pass and a tee time of 1:38 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mark’s greatest passion was his children, Alex, Sadie, and Hailey. Mark lovingly built a swing for Alex when he was a small child. Mark loved to push Alex and Sadie on this swing. Often times he would not come into the stores because he was swinging his children. Mark was Hailey’s primary care giver. He enjoyed holding Hailey so much as an infant that at nine months old when Hailey had open heart surgery, the nurses called her a little princess because she was unable to hold her own bottle as her daddy held it for her. Grateful for having shared his life are his significant other, Christie Smith, Idaho Falls, Idaho; his children, Alex and Sadie Ritter, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho; his daughter, Hailey Smith, Idaho Falls, Idaho; his step-children, Cherie and Martin Smith; his brother, Bruce Ritter, Sioux Falls; three sisters, Jean Hoff, Sioux Falls, Valarie (Brett) McGregor, Nebraska City, NE, and Lori Ritter, Sioux Falls. Nieces and Nephews, Jennifer Hoff, Wayne (Samantha) Hoff, Andromeda McGregor, Amy and Scott Ritter. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2006, at Christ Community Church (5742 South 5th West). The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Grant-Central Cemetery. --------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Jared Allen Campbell [campbelljared84@myldsmail.net] Dear Older Sister, I am very sorry to hear about the death of Mark. He was a great guy. I know that this time is really hard on you and the kids. I would like to help but I am too far away to help other than words. I love you so very much and know that Mark is in a better place now . . . that he is being taken care of right now by our Heavenly Father and that he is also blessing you in your time of need. Christie I love you and want you to know that I pray for you everyday and everynight. I also know that this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints is true and that reading the scriptures will help you right now to feel the love of Christ and God. I love you and pray that you and the kids will get through this alright. Whenever you need help just write me down here in Argentina. With Love Elder Campbell, Jared Roger, Sheri & Sha'Nel Havens Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Heavenly Father watch over you, Christie and your children. May he answer your prayers. We love you and want you to know you are special. Debbie & Bruce Wilcox It is with very sad regret and our deepest condolences that we write to express our sympathies to the family of Mark Ritter. It was a great shock to us both to hear of his recent untimely death. When we lived together in Idaho Falls (1986-1995), Mark was a very regular part of our special roller blading & mountain biking group (informally we called ourselves "bike trash"), and it included Mark, Don Alexander, Karla Collins (now they are married!), my husband Bruce Wilcox and me (then Deb Bergquist), John Collins (Karla's former husband), Chris and Kelly Schneider, Luke & Patty White, Doug Hendrickson, and a very fluid cast of other riders and wannabees who would join in on our rides. We had many fun outings (Kelly Canyon, Driggs, the Swan Valley, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and Mackey), and Mark ("Mr. Dependable") could ALWAYS be relied on by the gals in the group to help change their flat tires, whether on the race course or on casual rides. Another very good friend, Mary Cooper (also now deceased) was the official gourmet chef of our group, and she organized and prepared great gourmet meals and feasts, with much enthusastic support and assistance from Mark, Don, and Chris, who all shared their enthusiasm for cooking (AND eating!) great food and great wines. Mark was a real sweetheart, with a smile on his face, and a cheerful comment or gentle ribbing for everyone. He seemed tireless in his efforts with his Taco John's locations, running between the Pocatello and Idaho Falls (including the mall) locations. In 1995 we moved to Las Vegas, and then in 2000 to Washington State--and lost touch with many of our old "gang," including Mark. We know that Mark suffered disappointments and tragic losses during those years, which may have dampened his wonderful qualities. But in our hearts and memories we will always remember Mark for his great enthusiasm and energy, his wonderful smile and humor, and his sincere commitment to his family and friends. We hope his family can, with time, find comfort in and treasure their own good memories of Mark and his life, which touched us all. Our sincerest sympathies, Debbie & Bruce Wilcox 1761 N. George Washington Way, Box 373 Misty Graf Mistybel@adelphia.net I worked for Mark when he owned the Taco Johns's in Coeur d'Alene. He was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him very much. I just wanted to let your family know my thoughts and prayers are with you and I know Mark is in a far better place now. I am very sorry for your loss. Misty Graf RoseMarie My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Richard and Julieann Holman Julieann and I knew Mark many years ago and remember a tireless and giving man who worked hard and took great care to be of help in any situation in which he found himself. We will remember his sense of humor and his caring of others. We offer you and your family our condolences on your loss.