Jerald W. Ritenour

Jerald W. Ritenour, age 96, of Preston, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2017 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Preston. Burial will take place in Preston Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Preston American Legion Post #602 and the Preston AMVETS Post #140. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2017, and again one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for local organizations.

Jerald was born May 8, 1921, the son of William and Effie (Nesbitt) Ritenour in Hampshire, Illinois. He attended Onslow, Iowa Schools and Maquoketa Junior College. Jerald married Camilla Taylor on June 25, 1943 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Jerald proudly served his country in the United States Army Airforce during WWII as a Sergeant in the 9th Tactical Air Communications Squadron, spending time in New Guinea and the southern Philippines on the island of Luzon.

Jerald worked with his father at Nutrena Feed and Hatchery in Preston, and he continued the company as the Preston Hatchery until retirement. Jerald was very active in the community throughout his life. He was a member of Preston City Council, Preston School Board, a Volunteer Fireman, and President of Preston Manor for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the Lions Club and the Preston Methodist Church. Jerald was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and enjoyed boating and attending American Legion and AMVETS activities. In 1964-65, Jerald served as the 2nd District Commander for the American Legion, and then in 1965-66 he served as the Department of Iowa Vice Commander for the Legion. Most of all, Jerald loved spending time with family—especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jerald will be dearly missed by his wife of 74 years, Camilla; three children, Steven (Shirly) Ritenour, Kevin (Debra) Ritenour and Ann (Mike Arlandson) Marolf, all of Preston; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a son, Rodney; one brother, Paul; a sister, Phyllis Risk, and his parents.