Matthias “Ty” Vernon Ritchie, age 91, of Bear Creek, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at ThedaCare Appleton.
Mathias was born on July 10, 1926, to the late Noah and Laura (Pelky) Ritchie in the Town of Maple Creek. On October 6, 1948, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Eva Clinton in Clintonville. She preceded him in death in 2009. Ty served in the US Navy for two years. He farmed most of his early life and loved woodworking and chasing deer. Ty loved to spoil his grandbabies and go out to eat with his loved ones and friends. He could converse with anyone. He was an entertainer! Ty was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek.
Ty is survived by his daughter, Donna (Richard “Cy”) Simons; three grandchildren, Matthias (Samantha) Simons, Megan (Benjamin) Barrington and Amanda (Benjamin) Bruette; three step-grandsons, Jeff (Julie) Simons, Tyler (Marie) Simons and Aaron (Curry) Simons-Terry; 11 great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Millie Gore and brother-in-law, Leslie Behnke. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Ty was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva and nine siblings.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ty will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. Parish Director Lincoln Wood will be officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuenralhome.com
The family wishes to thank the staff at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton for their exemplary care and concern for Ty.