DAVID G. RITESMAN, 71 of Grant, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.
David was born September 15, 1945 at Golden, Colorado to Glen and Shirley Ritesman. He graduated from Lakewood High School.
In 1966, David entered the United States Army, where he served in Vietnam. Following his discharge in 1968, he moved back to the Denver area, where he worked as a window glazier for several years. In 1978, David's life was blessed with a daughter, Jolene. David was detail oriented and meticulous. He soon broadened his horizons from glass and window work to include construction. An opportunity to work in sun room prefabrication would eventually take David to Curtis in 1997. He would have the opportunity to work alongside his daughter for 12 years, which was something that was very meaningful for both of them. In 2004 the company re-organized, becoming IBP (Innovative Building Products) and moved to Grant, where David and his family made their home south of town.
David was an avid hunter and fisherman. As a father, he was gentle and understanding. His imposing size always seemed to stand in contrast to his soft and gentle demeanor. While he was soft spoken, David wasn't afraid to fight the battles in life that needed to be fought. He also enjoyed collecting guns and model trains. In fact, David had a room of his house dedicated to his trains and the carefully planned, hand crafted scenery that David would spend time creating.
David was preceded ind death by his parents.
Survivors include his daughter, Jolene Ritesman of McCook; 6 grandchildren, Julianna, Jocelyn, Jessica, Jacob, Jason & Jaxon; sister, Sherill Franklin of Arvada, Colo; brother, Brian Ritesman of Colo; along with several other relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project in David's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bullock Long Funeral Home in Grant with John Long officiating. No interment of cremains is planned at this time.