Brian G. Ritenour, 74, entered eternal rest and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Center for Hospice Care Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka. A lifetime resident of Marshall County, Brian was born in Plymouth on December 16, 1950 to Andrew and Treva (Eizinger) Ritenour.
Brian graduated with honors from Plymouth High School in 1969 before pursuing further studies at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN where he met Beverly Joy Hall in the Fall of 1970. Brian went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1973, followed by a Master of Science in Botany and Plant Pathology in 1976.
On August 17, 1974, Brian united in holy matrimony with his beloved wife, Joy, in a picturesque ceremony held in her mother's flower garden in Marion, IN. They dedicated their lives to Christ and were devoted members of Plymouth Wesleyan Church for 38 years. Throughout his years at the church, Brian demonstrated unwavering commitment, serving in various capacities, including teaching a Sunday School Class for a number of years. He also served as the chairman of the finance committee and as a key member of the steering committee during the construction of the new sanctuary, gymnasium, fellowship hall, and the children's wing.
Brian's professional journey was marked by a persistent dedication to helping others. He began as a dairy farmer in Plymouth and Bremen before transitioning to providing dairy chow with Purina Mills. He later entered the finance sector, working with Farm Credit Services in Rochester, IN and ultimately serving families as a loan originator with 1st Federal Savings Bank until his retirement in May of 2019. His involvement in the BNI (Business Networking International) Sunrise Chapter allowed him to extend his network and mentor new members. Brian was also a member of Kiwanis in Plymouth. During his time working at Farm Credit Services, Brian was an advocate for 4-H as he supported the participants in buying their animals in the Marshall County 4-H fair auctions.
Outside of his professional life, Brian was actively engaged in his community. He served as a Den Master for Cub Scouts Pack #222 and as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts Troop #251 in Plymouth, fostering a love for the outdoors that extended to his cherished travels with Joy, exploring the wonders of the Grand Canyon and numerous National Parks. His family holds treasured memories of snorkeling while sailing from the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in Islamorada in the Florida Keys with the Boy Scouts. While with the Scouts, Brian was involved in three trips to Boundary Waters at the United States and Canada border, white water rafting, countless weeks at Scout Camp, and dozens of scout outings.
Brian's memory will be carried on through his beloved wife of fifty years, Joy; their children, Matthew Ritenour of Spokane, WA and Peter (Tabatha) Ritenour of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Elliott Greene, Breccan Greene, and Jacob Ritenour; siblings, Diane (Roy) Swihart, Judy (Jerry) Salmon, and Frank (Anita) Ritenour; sister-in-law, Margaret Ritenour; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Brian has gone to join his parents, Andrew and Treva; brother, Gary Ritenour; and daughter-in-law, Caitlin Ritenour in eternal peace.
Per Brian's wishes, cremation has been chosen and the family will hold a Celebration of Life Remembrance Service.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 3-7:30PM at Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Road, Plymouth, IN 46563. Visitation will resume from 9:30-11AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. The Celebration of Life Remembrance Service will immediately follow at 11AM with Pastor Taylor Hulse officiating. Those wishing to join virtually can access the service at https://www.plymouthwesleyan.com/watch-live.
The service can be watched on Brian's obituary at a later date on www.johnson-danielson.com<http://www.johnson-danielson.com>.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Plymouth Wesleyan Church at 11203 Michigan Rd., Plymouth, IN 46563, or to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, PO Box 105, Glenolden, PA 19036. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a hereditary neurological disorder that Brian lived with all of his adult life.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Friends and family are invited to leave their condolences at www.johnson-danielson.com<http://www.johnson-danielson.com>
