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Online Obituaries for the Indianapolis IN Area

Mr. Richard L. Ridder

November 28, 1928 - May 29, 2010

Mr. Richard L. Ridder

Richard, "Dick" Ridder, 81 of Indianapolis, a much loved husband, father and grandfather passed away in his home Saturday, May 29, 2010.
He is preceded in death by his son, Guy Ridder and his first wife, Rita (Palanca) Ridder. He is survived by his loving family: his wife of 26 years, Mary Ann (Dolatowski) Ridder; children Richard (Molly) Ridder; Kurt (Lisa) Ridder and Carolyn (Jack) Aspenson; grandchildren Allison and Sean Ridder, Kate and Hope Ridder, Erika, Morgan and Justin Aspenson and the children of his daughter in-law Molly; Sean, Kelly and Andrew Sullivan and Laura Shropshire.
Born November 18, 1928 in Royal Center, Indiana he was the only child of Lowell Kistler and Carolyn Hall Ridder.
An adventurer at heart, Dick left home while a teen, traveling the US with his best friend Gene Lottes. Together they experienced life in a way only young men could. During these times Dick worked odd jobs on the railroad and at one point lied about his age to work on a ship to Panama. He often talked of his teen years, remembering them fondly.
Dick returned home, finished school and attended Indiana University until enlisting in the United States Army, where he spent many years moving up the ranks and serving our country with pride. He felt honored and humbled to be a part of the military and after earning the honor of Lieutenant Colonel, retired as a Major from the Indiana National Guard
As a professional, Dick worked in the insurance industry. In 1990, partnered with his wife, Mary Ann and son Kurt, he founded Spectrum Underwriting Managers, based in Indianapolis. Dick was instrumental in the success of Spectrum, retiring in 2001 but retaining his involvement as Chairman Emeritus. Through Dick had retired he often visited the employees and was well liked within the company.
Dick continued his love of adventure after retirement, spending time overseas in England, France, Italy and other countries with Mary Ann and family. Though he enjoyed traveling, he most loved being at home in Indianapolis. He knew so much about his city many suggested he become a tour guide.
A supporter of many causes, Dick was a staunch constitutional conservative. He felt honored and blessed to be a part of this country and did his part to support what he believed to be the core values America was built upon.
Dick was a man of honor who lit up a room with his sense of humor. He was often the center of attention, telling stories and jokes and always making people smile. Though he played the part of a curmudgeon, he was truly happy and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a spectacular way of telling a story and even though he may have told the story before, it was never quite the same the next time. He felt it was the small details that made stories much more exciting.

Dick had many successes in life but felt his greatest was his family. He was a devoted, loving husband and father who will be missed greatly.

Funeral services will be Monday June 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM in Crown Hill Funeral Home where friends may call from 4:30-7:30 pm Sunday June 6, 2010 and one hour prior to service on Monday. Entombment will be in the Field of Valor Mausoleum of Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or The Armed Forces Relief Trust. Online condolences may be shared at www.crownhill.org .