Rev. Marvin Verland Ritterling

Video Tribute:

In loving memory of Rev. Marvin Verland Ritterling, 92, who transitioned into the loving arms of Jesus on February 29th, 2024.
Marvin is survived by his two sons, David K. Ritterling (Caroline) of Pueblo and Douglas K. Ritterling (Pamela) of Anderson, SC. Nine grandchildren: Rachel Blickenstaff (Brandon), of Pueblo, Allison Hendricks (Steven) of Farmington, NM., Andrew Ritterling (Christine) of Liberty, MO., Jared Ritterling (Shae) of Phoenix, AZ., Justin Ritterling (Sara) of Phoenix, AZ., Rebekah Ritterling of Phoenix, AZ., Maren Fleer (Zach) of Columbia, Mo., Jenna Marquardt (Tim), Huntsville AL. and Landon Ritterling, Birmingham, AL. Thirteen great-grandchildren: Alydia, Lilienne, Max, Hunter, Evelyn, Autumn, Titus, Galilee, Ryland, Acacia, Solomon, Charles and Callen. Brother: Verland Victor Ritterling (Mary) of Plymouth, WI.
Preceded in death by his wife, Tobe Ritterling; father, Werner Ritterling and his mother, Sophia (Hoops) Ritterling in Byron, NE. Brothers, Norman Ritterling, Lawrence Ritterling and Orville Ritterling.
An iconic purveyor of unconditional love, Marvin’s life theme was that of affirmation. Marvin served for over 60 years as a Lutheran minister. Marvin graduated from Byron High School in 1949. He excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball. He always shared the motto “Good, better, best, may I never rest, until my good is better and my better, best.” Marvin was one of five brothers, Norman, Lawrence, Orville, and Verland. A great athlete and Nebraska fan, Marvin played baseball for the Superior Knights (NE), an affiliate of the Kansas City Athletics, but felt called to the ministry. The spiritual mentoring of his parents, Werner and Sophia, and St Paul’s Lutheran Church near Byron made a positive impression on him.
Marvin was born on November 8, 1931, in Byron, NE. His first collegiate stop was Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa following high school graduation where he wrestled, played football and baseball, and pursued his theological education and Bachelor’s Degree. His calling to the ministry took him to the American Lutheran Church Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio; he graduated in 1956. During his time at Capital, he sang in the men’s glee club and met his sweetheart, Tobe Ball, who was a soloist in the Capital University choir and became his bride on June 2, 1957. Following ordination, Marvin served as an intern at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio where his son David was born in 1957. His first pastorate was assumed in Creighton, Nebraska in 1958 followed by an associate pastorate at St. Petri Lutheran in Toledo.Oh. His second son, Douglas was born in Creighton, Nebraska on November 25th, 1958.
Marvin served Lutheran churches for almost 60 years – Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Portage, Michigan where he founded the church in 1966 and attended their 50th anniversary in 2016. He also pastored Trinity Lutheran Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, St. John Lutheran Church in Greenville, Oh, Faith Lutheran Church in Massillon, Oh and more in Jewett, Stonecreek, Beach City and Zoarville, OH. He served his last church, Tabor Lutheran in Pueblo, Colorado and was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church at his death. His wife, Tobe, went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2022, at the age of 86.
In 2016, Marvin was given a professional acting role, featured in Visiting Angels television commercials nationwide; he can still be seen today on Fox, CNN and a myriad of cable stations. His affable personality is recognized as his hallmark in the many relationships that he has fostered, mentored and taught. Marvin always looked forward to the day that he could hear “well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Memorial service, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2561 Vinewood Lane, Pueblo, CO. Memorials may be made to Sangre De Cristo Community Care, 1920 Valley Dr., Pueblo, CO 81008. Online memories welcomed at www.montgomerysteward.com