Walter Rittereiser passed away peacefully in Vancouver, Washington on March 19, 2026, at the age of 96. Walter was born the second of two sons to Arthur and Helen Rittereiser on May 19, 1929, in Astoria, New York, where he grew up. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He completed multiple tours of duty, including serving as a US Embassy guard in Rome, aboard a ship in the Mediterranean, commanding a Platoon in Vietnam, and serving as a drill instructor at Parris Island. He retired at the rank of Sergeant Major in 1974 with 26 years as a Marine. After retirement, he made his home in Vancouver, Washington. Walter used the GI Bill to attend Clark Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree in 1977. He went on to a second career at the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1995.

Walter loved sports, playing baseball and semi-pro football in his youth. He shared his love of sports through coaching and umpiring baseball. He enjoyed watching his son and grandsons play. He was a fan of the Yankees, Mariners, and Seahawks. Walter enjoyed travelling with his wife Karen, spending time in Hawaii and Florida. Walter had a long and happy life. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Walter is survived by his wife Karen of 42 years; daughter Carol Mooney and husband Greg; son Steve Rittereiser and wife Wendy; stepdaughter Kelly Keepers and husband Todd; stepson Barry Tolbert and partner Lynn. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jason Rittereiser and wife Michelle, Brian Rittereiser and wife Kylie, Jennifer Keepers and husband Marshall, and Jeremy Keepers; as well as four great-grandchildren Brooks, Sage, and Tate Rittereiser, and Colin Anderson. He was proceeded in death by his parents Arthur and Helen Rittereiser, his brother Paul Rittereiser, and his first wife Barbara Rittereiser.

A private, family celebration of life will take place. 

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