Michael Douglas Rittue
November 20, 1968 – September 18, 2024
Michael Douglas Rittue, age 55, passed away on September 18, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital after a short battle with cancer.
Born on November 20, 1968, in Los Gatos, California, to Carla Rittue and Michael Cooper Rittue, Michael lived a full and meaningful life, deeply loved by his family, friends, and even strangers he helped along the way.
A proud patriot, Michael served in the U.S. Army as an M163 Vulcan Gunner in the 3/67 Air Defense Artillery while stationed in Germany. After his military service, he worked as an independent contractor, always applying the same work ethic and dedication that he learned in the Army.
Michael had a remarkable ability to put a smile on everyone’s face. His love for cooking was matched only by his generosity – always providing food and sharing with family, friends, and even strangers. His love for music, especially playing the guitar, brought joy to those around him and will forever be remembered.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Katja Rittue; his daughter, Tammy Rittue, and two grandchildren. Michael also leaves behind his stepchildren, Cesar Avila (Daina), Kevin Whitted and Cassidy Drake (John). In addition, he is survived by his mother Carla Rittue, father Michael C Rittue (Kathy), brother J (Nichole) and children Sierra & Brandon, sisters Danielle Davis (Chris) and children Hannah & Emily, Missy Van Rensselaer (Rick) and children Sarah & Kyle, and his close friend Jevan Combs, whom he affectionately called his “brother from another mother.”
He is also survived by Aunts Tracy Szilasi (Ken), Kim Florian, Bernadine Sanders, Pamela Rittue and Uncle Jerry Sanders (MaryLou).
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Eugene Kenneth Jaggars, Uncle James Douglas Sanders Jr, maternal Grandparents Gloria Sunshine Sanders and James Douglas Sanders, paternal Grandparents Betty Jo Rittue and Edward Cooper Rittue.
Michael will be remembered for his patriotism, his love of family, his passion for music, his amazing cooking and his generous heart.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.
6 comments
April Smith
September 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Mike, this world is never going to be the same without you. I will miss you forever and always. Thank you for all you did for me, my sister, and most importantly my mom. I know you two are having a blast being reunited. F Cancer. It took you and my mom away too young and too soon. Love you Mike!
Katja, I am here for you ❤️
Kevin Whitted
September 26, 2024 at 6:08 pm
I couldn’t have asked for a better Step Father. Mike was always there for me when I needed help even when we lived apart. He shared with me such a love of music and often times we would just sit there and listen to one of his playlists. I never got to go on the last fishing trip with him, but you will always live on in my heart. I love you Mikey you were such a cool Dad.
Jerry Sanders
September 26, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Gonna miss my Go Blue buddy as we were the only Dodger fans in the family.
Lots of hugs and love to you Michael. ❤️
Uncle Jerry and Aunt Marylou
Tommy Glowney
September 26, 2024 at 2:54 pm
He was my friend in the same unit he served with in Germany. Always had a good time making others laugh and forget that you were so far away from the states. He was my brother in arms. I have some good pictures of him monitoring the situation during the firing of the Vulcan. He’s missed by many but the memories will remain fresh.
David Parker
September 26, 2024 at 2:04 pm
It was a Honor to know Mike. Great friend and neighbor You will be missed my friend
Manuela
September 26, 2024 at 1:50 pm
Dear Mike,
Even though you’re no longer with us, I want you to know that Katja is not alone. She has all of us standing by her side, supporting her through this difficult time. Your love for her was unwavering, and we’ll make sure she feels surrounded by that love every day.We miss you so much—especially those amazing meals you’d whip up that always brought everyone together. Things won’t be the same without you, but your spirit will always be with us.
Love Manuela and family