Jack Aaron Rittenhouse

Jack Aaron Rittenhouse was born on February 20, 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska to Gary and Suzanne (Stenglein) Rittenhouse. He grew up in Waterloo, Nebraska, attending District #15 Country School and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1989. As a young boy, Jack was involved in sports, especially basketball, student council and drama club. He was a good student and enjoyed the one act play and other school activities. But mostly he was a farm boy. Following “grandpa” Jack around like a hired hand and much to his mother’s dismay had a keen interest in the equipment and machinery. This proved to be vital on a day when grandpa got his leg caught in the running machinery and a very young Jack knew where to shut off the equipment and save the family from a terrible tragedy. Jack went on to attend college at Kansas University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Jack married Angila Embrey on August 31, 1996 at Peace Presbyterian Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska and to this union two children were born: Graci and Garret. Jack and Angie have made their home on the family farm southwest of Waterloo. Jack has been the sales manager for the same company (Hewlett Packard) for the last 18 years although the name has changed four times. He enjoyed hunting, boating, planting sweet corn, riding his John Deere tractor, mowing and kicking back with a Miller Lite. Jack is remembered as a caring, helpful man who treasured his little girl who he called “Bugaboo”. Jack's most known quote was "It's All Good". Jack had the most electric personality and he made friends wherever he turned, I do believe he has friends from coast to coast. Jack was actively involved on the Waterloo Fire Department for 12 years. While on the fire department Jack was instrumental in the formation of the Waterloo Water Rescue Team and he also single handed convinced the Rural Fire Board to build the new Fire Station, this was his pride and joy. Many people will remember Jack for his star performance at the annual fire banquets held each year. Jack passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at his home on the family farm with his family and friends by his side at the age of 37 years, 11 months and 19 days. He was preceded in death by his son Garret, grandfather Jack Stenglein and grandmother Doris Rittenhouse. Jack is survived by his wife Angie and daughter Graci both of Waterloo; Parents Gary and Suzanne of Waterloo; sister Brooke (husband John) of Thornton, CO; In Laws Tom Embrey (wife Patti) of Waterloo and Pat Raver (husband Larry) of Mead, NE; grandmothers Catherine Stenglein of Elkhorn and Shirley Embrey Krejci of Waterloo;

Jack Aaron Rittenhouse

February 20, 1971 - February 8, 2009