Laurence "Sonny" Riter

Laurence Leo "Sonny" Riter, 67, of Keokuk, Iowa died Monday, August 5, 2002 in Keokuk, Iowa. Laurence Riter was born on March 20, 1935 in Keokuk, Iowa. He was the son of Laurence Leo, Sr. and Laura Redden Riter. He married Marie Ziegenfuss on December 12, 1963 in Keokuk, Iowa. He was a lifelong resident of Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk Senior High. He had been employed as a woodworker at Keokuk Steel Castings in the pattern shop for twenty-eight years, retiring in 1990. He had served in the United States Army. He was a member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #106, American Legion Post #41, the Southside Boat Club, and was a past member of the Eagles. He was an expert wood worker. He loved playing cards, was an avid golfer, and was a bowler when he was younger. He was a loyal pool shooter and played in the Monday night pool league. Survivors include a son, Laurence "Larry" Riter and friend, Jennifer Thrush, of Keokuk, Iowa; a daughter, Leane Marie Hays and her husband, Todd, of Tallahassee, Florida; three grandchildren, Lauren Riter of Hamilton, Illinois and Cody Hays and Kellie Hays of Tallahassee, Florida; four sisters, Wilma O'Daniel of Wenden, Arizona, Maxine Loring of Ke...[more]

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k, Iowa, Velma Rossi of Biggsville, Illinois and Joyce Grout and her husband, Steve, of Spring Hill, Florida; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marjorie Munson, of Carthage, Illinois. Services were held Thursday, August 8, 2002 at DeJong's Funeral Home in Keokuk with Reverend Paul Pennington officiating. Burial with full military rites was in Keokuk National Cemetery. A memorial has been established for his grandchildren.