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Jacobson, 66, Gackle, ND, died on Thursday, April 20, 2017 after a battle with lung cancer.
Ritchie was born June 16, 1950 in Fargo, ND to Mavis and Orville Jacobson. Ritchie grew up in Fargo and attended Fargo Public Schools, graduating from North High in 1968. Ritchie was involved in the arts, music, and theatre while in school and was also the “Lead Singer” in the popular local band, “The Mods” in the late 60s. In the fall of 1968 Ritchie enrolled in college at Moorhead State College and graduated in 1973 with a B.S. degree in Arts Education.
In June of 1973 Ritchie was married to Lavonne Gail Gerbi. The couple had a son, Cody, in 1978. They later divorced in 1998. Ritchie began a long career in art education in 1975 when he joined the art staff at Agassiz JHS in Fargo. This teaching stint at Agassiz lasted 30 years with his retirement in 2005.
Ritchie’s life-long passion was hunting and fishing and with his retirement in 2005 he moved to Gackle, ND where he owned a home. Ritchie enjoyed hunting and fishing year-round until his recent passing. In June 2006, Ritchie was elected Mayor of Gackle and has served in that capacity until now. Ritchie was involved in all activities in Gackle, especially the Annual 4th of July Celebration. He was past president of the Gackle Lions and the Gackle Wildlife Clubs.
Ritchie is survived by a son, Cody (Janel), Fargo, ND; his ex-wife and good friend, LaVonne, Fargo, ND; a brother, Martin, Frazee, MN; a sister, Linda Loeffler, Adrora, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his favorite partner, his dog, Jake.
Ritchie was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Karen Skodje, and his brother-in-law, Forrest Loeffler.
Services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to the Plains Art Museum.
An online guest book is available at www.hautfuneralhome.com.