Linda A. Ritz

Linda Ann Haglund Ritz, age 79, of Hibbing, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 6, 2025, at her home in Hibbing, MN. Linda was born on April 24, 1945, to Arvid and Helen (Sampila) Haglund in Hibbing, MN. 

She grew up on her stepfather's farm raising Hereford cattle. In her teen years, she and her brother Walt exhibited their prized Herefords at the county fair. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1963 and attended Hibbing Junior College in the Secretarial Program. After college, she went to work at Lake Shore Incorporated and met her soon-to-be husband, James Ritz. In their dating years, they enjoyed mixed doubles league bowling and couples ice waltzing with the Hibbing figure Skating Club. They were married on June 29, 1968, at the St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Hibbing. One year later they completed their family with the birth of their adorable twin daughters Kelli & Kerri. She started working at Range Cable in 1970 as the office manager and retired in 2007 after 37 years of service. Linda had numerous hobbies including knitting, reading romance novels, gardening and baking. She was an avid animal lover and took in any cat or dog that needed a home. Above all else she loved her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Kelli Ritz and Kerri Ritz of Hibbing, MN; granddaughter, Kleryssa (Riley Lind) Booth of Hibbing, MN; sister, Diane (James) Current of Hibbing, MN; Sister-in-law, Alice Haglund of Virginia, MN, great grandchildren, Grayson, Landon, Mylah and numerous nieces and nephews, extended relatives, and friends. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Arvid and Helen Haglund; stepfather, Nestor Wuori; husband, James Ritz; and brother, Walter Haglund.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN.