Jane Frances Ritter, 71, of Owatonna, died on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, at the Homestead Hospice House. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd.) with the rosary being recited at 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home. An hour of visitation will precede the funeral on Saturday at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be in Owatonna Memorial Gardens.

Jane was born in Wells on Aug. 12, 1940, to Andrew and Mary (Bushlak) Nowak. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Wells High School. She married James Ritter on Aug. 6 1960, in Wells. Following marriage, the couple lived in Mankato prior to Jim being recalled into the Army. During his service they lived in Washington. Upon his discharge in 1962 they returned to Mankato. They then moved to Owatonna in 1965. Jane provided daycare for several years and then began her cleaning service business which she operated until ill health caused her to retire two years ago. In 2002 she and Jim opened up J & J Soft Serve. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Jane was an avid sports fan and followed all of her children and grandchildren’s sporting activities. She also enjoyed gardening, baking and being at the lake. Her greatest love was found in her family.

Survivors include her four sons: Brad (Allison) Ritter, Mike (Dawn) Ritter, Tim (Stephanie) Ritter, all of Owatonna, and Steve (Diane) Ritter of Lindstrom; 10 grandchildren: Cassandra Gilgenbach, Derek Ritter, Amanda Miller, Megan Ritter, Joshua Ritter, Ryan Ritter, Matthew Ritter, Kyle Ritter, Danielle Ritter and Christopher Ritter, siblings: Rose (Bob) Doyle, of Easton, Don (Nancy) Nowak, of Wells, Mark (Lea), of Wells, and Tony (Barb) Nowak of Owatonna and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband James, who passed away on Sept. 8, 2009.

Memorials may be given to Homestead Hospice or donor’s choice. Arrangements completed with the Brick-Meger Funeral Home and condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.