Obituary of Bernard L. Ridder

Bernard L. Ridder of Washington, New Jersey, died at home on May 26, with his wife Mary Ellen at his side. He was one of six children born to farmers Gesine and Friederich Ridder in Hardingen, Germany. He was 81. Bernie became a furniture maker in Germany. In 1954 he married Friederike Sligt. They then immigrated to Holland, Michigan where he was employed by the Hermann Miller Company, and where four of their five children were born. After Bernie graduated from Hope College, the family moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey where he studied at the theological seminary and their fifth child was born. In 1966 Bernard and Friederike were proud to become citizens of the United States. After receiving his Degree in Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary (Maine) in 1968, Bernie ministered to the congregation of the United Church of Christ in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Bernie married Mary Ellen Donnelly in 1983. Together with his sons, Marty and Harvey, they owned and operated the Washington House Pub and Restaurant on Route 31 in Washington. They retired in 2004. Bernard Ridder is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and by his former wife, Friederike and their five children: Jerry, Frieda, Harvey, Philip and Martin and their spouse; his six grandchildren Greta, Kelda, Sean, Colleen, Kristina and Alexander; and by four of his remaining siblings in Germany. There will be a viewing at Martin Funeral Home at 1761 Rt. 31 in Clinton, NJ, 08809 on Thursday, May 31, 2012 between 5pm and 7pm. A funeral service will be held at 7pm. Memorial donations may be made to: Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.