Carlton "Dutch" L. Rittweger

Carlton "Dutch" L. Rittweger passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at home on February 14, 2026. He was 91.

Dutch was born on March 8, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, the only child of Milton and Carita Rittweger. He grew up in Scales Mound, Illinois, attending and graduating from Scales Mound High School. There, he excelled in basketball and baseball.

He met his wife, Janice (Ryder), when Dutch was 5, and Jan was just 3 years old. They lived across the street from each other. In 1953, they once again met at a dance. After that encounter, they
continued their friendship and formed their romantic relationship.

In 1954, Dutch entered the US Army. During his service, he was stationed in Japan. He ended his army career in 1956. After his army career ended, Dutch started his career working in the industry and traffic fields in Rockford, Illinois. He retired from Pierce Chemical Co. in 1996.

Dutch and Jan married in November 1957 at the Elizabeth Methodist Church in Elizabeth, Illinois. They were married for 68 years and had two children, Michael and Michelle.

He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends in Rockford, where he once got a hole-in-one, and also playing with his many friends in Arizona.

He competitively participated in many 5K &10K races, in addition to finishing three marathons. Dutch also enjoyed competing in Horseshoe games. He pitched in tournaments in Illinois, Wisconsin,
and Arizona, including three World Championship Tournaments.

He most importantly loved spending time with his family. Dutch enjoyed his children and grandchildren's school and sports activities. He loved his yearly family vacations and 25 wonderful years in Arizona.

Dutch was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, Tebala Shrine Chanters, the American Legion, Lombardi Club, the LYRAN Club, and the Beloit Horseshoe Club.

Dutch is survived by his loving wife, Jan, his children: Michael (Julia) Rittweger and Michelle (Paul) Myers, his two grandchildren: Emily (Zachary) Gottman and Sara (Ian) Hogshead, and his great-grandchildren, Georgia and Samson Gottman. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Carita Rittweger.

A private family service will be held.

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