Claren M. Ritter

Claren M. Ritter, age 83, of Madison, SD, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, SD.  Her Memorial Service will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 2, 2026, with Visitation beginning an hour prior to the service at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.  

Claren Ritter was born April 4, 1943, in Douglas Arizona to Clarence and Marjorie Landeen. After leaving the Air Force Base, Claren was raised in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1961.

Claren was united in marriage with Jared Ritter on May 12, 1962 in Sioux Falls. Upon graduation from high school she began working for Wells Fargo and continued her 44 yr career, retiring from her officer position in 2005. In 2001, the couple moved to Lake Madison. Claren then worked part-time for Lewis Drug-Madison.

Claren was a talented china painter, cook, home decorator and gardener. Above all she was a loving sister, aunt, grandmother figure, and friend to many. She took pride in hosting holidays and special events, and all were welcome.

Grateful for sharing her life are siblings, Gary (Pat) Landeen, Francis (Sharon) Landeen, Janelle (Lyle Nelson) Smedsrud, Trudy (Joe) Luther, all of Sioux Falls, SD. Jeff (Lynn) Landeen, Madison, SD. Sister in law, Diane Ritter, Sioux Falls, SD; special nephews, Derek Landeen, Mark Smedsrud, and a host of other nieces,nephews and friends.

Claren is preceded in death by her parents, brother Edwin, brothers-in-law, Roger, Don, Harold, Billy Ritter, Jim Smedsrud. Sister in laws, Elaine Hanson, Becky Landeen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Bethel Foundation or Avera Hospice