Time to Gather
Saturday, May 30, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CDT
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions
Life Story / Obituary
Kathleen Susan Ritt, age 62, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Kathleen was born in Racine on January 14, 1964. A woman of many talents, she had a deep passion for baking and possessed a remarkable culinary mind; she could taste a dish at any restaurant and name every exact seasoning within it. Kathleen also had a strong work ethic, truly loving her job and the deep camaraderie she shared with her coworkers over the years.
Kathleen had a personality people never forgot. She was incredibly quick witted, naturally funny, and always knew how to make the people around her laugh and smile. Whether it was a perfectly timed comment, sarcastic humor, or one of her stories, she had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. She loved cooking for the people she cared about and made everyone feel welcome the second they walked through the door. Being around Kathleen meant good food, laughter, and never leaving empty handed or unnoticed.
Above all, her heart belonged to her family. She was a deeply loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished every moment spent with the people she loved most.
She is survived by her daughter, Jillian Lopez, who proudly held the title of favorite child by default; her son-in-law, Joaquin Lopez, who loved Kathleen as his own family and cared for her with unwavering love and support; her cherished grandchildren, Julianna DelToro (and fiancé Austin Last), Steven DelToro (and girlfriend Lilly Acker), and Joaquin (Jay) Lopez; and her great-grandson, Xander. She is also survived by her long-time boyfriend, Matt Landeau; her siblings, Terry (Lynn) Ritt, Dennis (Debbie) Ritt, Ken (Jeanne) Ritt, Barb (Bruce) Ziegenhagen, and Cheryl (Clair) Breckenridge; as well as her cats, who brought her great comfort, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; Harry and Mary Ritt (Cramer) and her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Jim Wolter.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to her hospice nurse, Tina, for the compassionate care, comfort, and support provided during Kathleen's final days.
A time to gather and share memories will be held at the funeral home, Saturday, May 30, 2026, 1-3 pm.