“John, I grew up with your daughters, spent a lot of time with you. I have memories that will last a lifetime. I will miss you dearly and never forget you. Love you and Miss you. With Love, Dee”

— DeAndra Humbert

“Hi Daddy, Well, this has all been the most devistating thing in my life and i'm not quite sure what to make of it just yet... You should know (if you didn't already), that you are and always will be the most important man in my life. I love you with all that I am. I will always be your baby pinhead. And I hope that you are SAFE and in PEACE now. NO MORE STRESS. I hope that you know, I am so happy that people know and say you are the sweetest man to have ever touched their life. You were ALWAYS willing to help anyone out. No matter what. You have got to be proof that angels DO walk the earth. I hope you know that I promise to: -always fire the blazer up and not let it sit anymore. -Never let anyone else drive it. -always take the time to stop and enjoy the smell of gasoline. -take your truck out on the freeway for you and make sure to open up the v8 like you would. -Never miss a monster jam. -savor the smell of a campfire. -watch the waves roll in on the shore at Richardson's. -attemt to go fishing WITHOUT getting a hook in my finger. -try to boil water without burning it or starting a kitchen fire. -try my hardest at life by never giving up. -always protect Mom, Savannah, Island, Jaima, Ethan and Peppie. You taught me so much daddy and I am so greatfull for all the time I got to spend with you. I hope you are able to see how much you are loved. Thank you daddy for always answering the phone for me, and for calling me all the time. I am so sad I wont have that daily call anymore. I looked forward to your voice to help calm me down or cheer me up or to even make me crack a smile. You always had something good to say. I am so greatfull for all the time you and I put in to making sure you and I had a good relationship this last year. You gave me a chance to smile on days when I thought I had no reason. I Love You Daddy and honestly dont know how I am going to do this without you. I keep wanting to just pop in the kitchen to see you smile with your bright green eyes and know that you are ok. :( I miss you more than words can ever describe. I love you daddy, please help give mom the strength to get through this the way you had wanted. Please dont ever stop loving us. I am so lost without you daddy, please show me a way. I love you always and forever daddy, baby pinhead in jack rabbit nevada ”

— Auburn Crystal Rittenhouse

“I am going to miss my papa. love always, "Goober dude"”

— Peppie

“My heart goes out to everyone that is hurting because of this tragedy. Hey Auburn and Savannah remember when we went up to Tahoe to visit your dad and got snowed in? I remember he made me cream of wheat the next day. I love you guys and send all my love your way. ”

— Rachael W.

“Auburn and Family, I'm so sorry for you and your family. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and even more so now. I know how difficult it can be to lose someone that you love, but I would never compare your loss to mine. I am always here to be a shoulder to cry on or an open ear. Just know that he is with you more now than he was before and you will always have an angel helping you along this journey of life. I know he couldn't be more proud of the wonderful woman you have become! I will try to get to the funeral if I can! Love you Aubby!”

— Mikki Dean

“Donna, my condolences to you and the rest of the family. May God give you the strength to tide over your loss.”

— Vidur Kohli

“Girls: I'm at a loss for words- and John would find that VERY HARD TO BELIEVE! Never thought any of us would have to say good-bye (for now) to John-I was just talking to Arek saying that he'd out live all of us! I guess we NEVER KNOW what God has planned for any of us; but I think God has a plan for each of us when we are born and when we each, individually, accomplish what we are here to do we leave this part of our journey and continue on to the next phase of our intended journey. Donna, Jaima, Auburn, Savannah, Island and Ethan- always hold close to your heart the memories you each have of John, as a husband, father and grandfather...There are SO many that will keep me forever close to him... I'm CERTAIN that he is watching all of you; helping you each and everyday, in all that you do, helping you make the right decisions in life....and when the decisions are 'iffy' he's still there knowing that none of us are perfect and he'll do as he often did- and put his hand out and say 'It's ok, baby'.... I'll try to visit as much as I can- until the pass closes and I hear John's voice saying to me "How'd you get here- I thought i80 was closed'~I'll forever hear John's voice telling me that, he told me every time I was there in the winter- and we all know 'Aunt Cathy doesn't follow directions'~ With that said; know that 'Aunt Cathy' is here for you, each and everyday; whether I am in Reno or 220 miles away-ANYTHING you NEED-please know I'll do my BEST to be there for each of you... And know it's ok to be sad and miss seeing John but also know HE is with you all the time, walking along side you, helping you in anything and everything you do... Get 'Earl the Cat' and get out a chair and put him back to his original place in the living room above the marble table-where John intended him to be! Donna: Remember in Wisconsin, the night of your wedding reception, we heard a noise and quickly, before Mom woke up, ran outside and found John getting a ride home from Beloit P.D. and dragging him inside and undressing him because he just 'beat the shit out of downtown Beloit'-haha; too funny...We should have known then what the next few decades would bring~! Jaima, Auburn and Savannah: Everyday- be reminded that your dad was special, was funny, was good hearted, was there for you, was very loved, was an amazing chef, was a GREAT father, son, uncle, grandfather, brother, husband, brother-in-law, friend and..... IS.....ONE OF A KIND.... John; you already are- so very greatly missed but you ARE in our hearts now and forever. You hold a very special place in my Heart, forever. So, Cheers to you, John~I have 29 years worth of memories I will always hold close to me in my heat. ”

— Aunt Cathy (Gaffield)

“My heart goes to the Rittenhouses. John was a caring and loving dad / friend who put his children above all else. It saddens me to hear of his passing, at least he did not suffer or have to go out of this world with pain or regret. His virtues were pure, his heart golden and his intentions true. May each of his daughters carry his words of wisdom with them and reflect upon the lessons he tried to live by, with every turbulation life may throw out. Keep smiling and make light of life just the way he would have, as he will always be remembered for. ”

— Amber Martines