Norman Ridder

Norman Victor Ridder passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was born on December 22, 1932, at the farm home of Joseph and Johanna (Kerschen) Ridder. He was one of five children. Norman attended Elementary School in Marienthal, KS and then helped his dad and brothers on the farm.

Norman married Julianna Kessler on June 16, 1952, and they had five children. They took over his father’s farm until 1964 when they sold the farm to his brother and moved to Plains, MT where they had bought a ranch. In 1967 they sold the ranch in Plains and moved to another ranch in St. Ignatius, MT. In 1974 they sold this ranch and moved to ranch they had purchased on the Whitetail in Whitehall, MT. Later Norman and Julie sold the ranch and “retired” staying busy with their large yard and gardens. He was a founding member and active in St. Teresa’s Knights of Columbus.

Preceding Norman in death was the love of his life Julie, infant son Dennis, infant daughter Marjorie, son Darrell, sister Frieda Graff, and brothers Joe, Jr. (June) and Jerome.

He is survived by his children Debra (Dave) Murgel, Calvin Ridder and Shelia Ridder. Grandchildren Elizabeth Ridder of Vista, CA, Chad Ridder, Mike (Laci) Ridder and Caitlin (Bobby) Pomroy of Butte, MT, Matt (Marilyn) Ridder of Belgrade, MT, Travis Ridder of Johnstown, CO, of Butte, MT, Tracy (Bo) Talalotu-Clarabal of Helena, MT, Capt. Tom Murgel of Fort Lewis, WA, Anne Marcum of Stevensville, MT, Lee Marcum of Kentucky, Rosalie Carter of Stevensville, MT, and his 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Elmer (Helen), sister-in-law Donna Ridder of Leoti, KS and many nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be held at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Whitehall, MT, on Monday June 20, 2022, at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Teresa’s Tuesday June 21, 2022, at 10:30 am with internment at the Whitehall Cemetery and Luncheon following at the Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Dept., Jefferson Valley EMS, Jefferson Valley Museum or donor’s choice.