Kenneth (Ken) Earl Heitritter, 75 of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away on September 29, 2024 in Port Charlotte, FL. Ken, the son of Carol and Delores (Dather) Heitritter, was born June 3, 1949 in Sheldon, IA the oldest of five siblings. He had three children Tracey, Lyn, and Kenny. He was raised in Melvin and attended public schools in the area. He later attended Southern Illinois University where he earned an Industrial Engineering degree. While working at Gearmaster in Illinois, he met the love of his life, Ellie, and they married in 1979. The family lived happily in McHenry County and Lincolnshire, IL from 1979 to 1991. Throughout his time in Illinois, Ken enjoyed boating and fishing with friends and family on the Fox River and Lake Michigan.
In 1991, they moved to Peosta, Iowa where Ken and Ellie had their son Kenny and spent many wonderful years. During his time in Peosta, Ken made full usage of the golf course – playing many rounds of 18 throughout his time there. Ken had a full and successful career as President/General Manager of manufacturing companies, including starting his own Company and later doing manufacturing consulting for companies. In 2020, Ken and Ellie made the decision to move down to Florida, the sunshine state after finally having enough of cold Iowa winters. Throughout his life, Ken was a lover of boating, fishing, golfing, getting together with family and friends, and watching his beloved Chicago Bears. He loved watching TV, especially action movies, sci-fi, and Westerns while hogging the remote control. Ken’s love for his family was extremely evident, and he particularly loved visits from his children and other family.
Ken is survived by his wife Ellie (Szpyrka) Heitritter of Port Charlotte, FL, daughter Tracey (Garon) Albrecht of Wauconda, IL, Lyn (Todd) Wenzon of Crystal Lake, IL, Dr. Kenneth (Kenny) Ivan-James Heitritter of Chicago, IL. Grandchildren Lucas and Sydney Wenzon. Siblings Paul (Joyce) Heitritter of Melvin, IA, Rachel (Wray J.) Wright of Whiting, IA, and Todd (Anita) Heitritter of Archer, IA; Ken was preceded in death by his parents; Carol Heitritter and Delores Popma and brother James “Jimmy”. Final resting place will be Baker Township Cemetery (at a later date).
A memorial service for Ken and Delores was held October 5 at First Reformed Church, Sanborn, Iowa with Pastor Mark Ellens officiating.
A Musical Tribute was offered by Paul Heitritter, Rachel Wright and Todd Heitritter singing “How Great Thou Art.”
The congregation sang “Amazing Grace” as the Processional and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” as the Recessional.
The organist was Jill Bavier and the pianist was Judy Dykstra
Delores’ Pallbearers were Grandsons Wray R. Wright, Heath Wright, Nolan Wright, Buckley Wright, Jason Heitritter, Adam Heitritter, Chad Heitritter, Branden Heitritter and Kenny Heitritter.
Honorary Pallbearers were Delores’ beloved Granddaughters.