The safeguarding of our Lodge’s history is not a passive act - it is an obligation entrusted to us, a quiet but enduring labor that binds past, present, and future into one continuous thread. Within that history lives the spirit of the brethren who came before us: men who gave their time, their effort, and their vision so that something lasting might stand where once there was only potential.
To honor the Past Masters is to recognize more than their titles; it is to acknowledge the weight of their decisions, the steadiness of their guidance, and the sacrifices that shaped the path we now walk. The Lodge as we know it did not emerge by chance - it was carefully built, refined, and preserved through their dedication.
Each document, each emblem, each tradition we uphold carries with it a fragment of that journey. They are not relics to be admired from a distance, but living reminders that what we inherit is also what we are called to protect. We are not owners of this legacy, but its caretakers - tasked with preserving its meaning while adding our own chapter to its story.
In remembering those who labored before us, we do more than honor the past - we fortify the future. The light they kindled is not meant to fade into memory, but to be sustained, strengthened, and carried forward by those who now stand in their place.
If you have visited our Lodge’s website, you may have noticed a specific figure in this rotating slide at the center of the homepage. Among a group of Masons, he stands steady - immovable and almost eternal - looking directly into your eyes as if he were about to share the secrets of Masonry with you. He looks peaceful and insightful. That is how Worshipful Brother Viv appeared, and yet, he was equally full of life.
I was curious about his name and looked it up; it derives from the Latin Vivianus, based on vivus, meaning "alive" or "full of life." He was initiated into Fremasonry on February 25, 1964, Passed to the Fellow Craft Degree on April 21, 1964 and raised to the sublime degree of a Master mason on May 26, 1964. He served the Lodge as a Worshipful Master twice: in 1976, and again in 1996. At 89 years old, Viv remained vital, energetic, and deeply devoted to our Lodge. He was a proud Past Master who knew his ritual by heart.
As newer Masons, we quickly learned that Viv might occasionally change a word or two in the ritual, but we loved every word he uttered to the candidate. Despite his age, his memory often surpassed many of us who were significantly younger. He was always proud to sit in the East and participate in the Third Degree, and he perhaps never realized how proud we were to have him there.
We loved Viv, and he returned that love with equal intensity. He welcomed every new man who showed up at our door, seeing the good and the potential in everyone. Although he spent his winters in Florida, the moment he returned to Valpo in the summer or after the holidays, his first stop was always the Lodge. Every single time.
"Worshipful Viv, how was your trip?" I would ask.
"Oh, it was great," he would respond. "I just got back from Florida yesterday and couldn't wait to come up here."
He was eager to know what was new, who the candidates were, and how everyone was doing. In many ways, he was a father figure to us all. His generosity was boundless. He often arrived with gifts - like the time he came to a Stated meeting with a box full of blue trucker caps, embroidered with the Square and Compasses and the words "Porter Lodge 137" across the front. He handed one to each of us, with dozens more left to share with other Brothers.
And that marble bench at the Courthouse that bears the words "Porter Lodge 137"? That was his initiative; he provided the initial funding for it. It was produced and installed in 2015, during my year as Master, but it was entirely his vision. It will stand there for generations to come, a lasting testament to our Lodge and to his enduring legacy.
He passed to the Grand Lodge Above, as a perfect ashlar, in 2022. His obituary is recorded in the Lodge records:
Vivian “Viv” Rittel, 89 of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022. He was born September 26, 1932 in Hebron to the late Clyde and Florence (Garvey) Rittel. Viv graduated from Wheeler High School and served in the US Army during the Korean War. He made his career as an Instrumental Electrician and Repairman, served as President of Local #197 Boilermakers Union, and worked as Maintenance Superintendent at Union Electric Steel. Viv was a member of CrossPointe Christian Church, a Past Master of Porter Lodge #137 F&AM, Chapter 79 RAM, Council 86 R&SM, Commandery 28 KT, American Legion Post 94, Porter Lodge 137, Scottish Rite member of South Bend, and a former Union Township School Board Member and Trustee. He played ball for the Valpo Kings and Valpo Merchants.
On August 31, 1952 Viv married Betty Wallace, who preceded him in death in 2005. He is survived by their children: Thomas (Dana) Rittel, Edward (Barb) Rittel, Clyde (Stacey) Rittel, Sandra Denison; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Maybell Ilic; and companion, Barbara Kreft. He was preceded in death by his companion of 10 years, Pat Royce; brothers: LaVerne, James, and John Rittel; sister, Meta Conrick; and son in law, Charles Denison.|
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Masonic Service beginning at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will begin on Thursday at 10:00 am at the funeral home, Pastor Tim Wanless officiating.
Memory eternal, Worshipful Brother Viv, you will be remembered, good and faitful servant.
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WB Lucas Pacukovski, PM
