Introducing Sherri Ritz, a remarkable individual making a significant impact in her community. Serving on the Chamber of Commerce for Delafield, Sherri is a driving force behind local economic initiatives. As an Auxiliary member of the Delafield American Legion Post 196 she is committed to honoring veterans and supporting their families. Sherri, along with her husband, dedicate substantial time to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, showcasing their deep love for nature and conservation. Through tireless volunteering efforts, Sherri epitomizes selflessness, consistently giving back to her community and uplifting those around her. Her boundless dedication and genuine passion set an inspiring example for all, making Sherri Ritz a value asset to her community.
About Sherri Ritz
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Within the heart of Delafield is where my husband Glenn, our 5-year-old Cavachon companion named Lucy, and I live. While we form a tight-knit unit, my immediate family, including my parents and three siblings—two sisters and a brother—all reside in New Berlin.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
At the Delafield American Legion, my affiliation with the Auxiliary spans 12 meaningful years, during which I’ve dedicated myself to honoring the sacrifices of veterans, active military personnel, and their families in the pursuit of safeguarding our cherished freedom. My father and husband, Glenn, both proud Marine Veterans, have been instrumental in defending our nation, instilling in me a profound respect for their service. My commitment to giving back takes the form of extensive volunteer efforts and event coordination aimed at supporting local veteran causes. An annual highlight is the venerable 97th Coonfeed, where I dive into legion kitchen preparations come January, contributing to a tradition that resonates deeply with our veterans.
As Armed Forces weekend arrives in May, I orchestrate legion family members at three different locations, distributing poppies to aid local veteran organizations—a small gesture with significant impact. The grand culmination of patriotic festivities is the Delafield American Legion 4th of July Parade, a day of exuberant celebration marking our independence. Throughout the year, I diligently seek support for the following year’s parade, always striving to elevate this community event.
Yet another pinnacle event on my calendar is the Lucky Ducky Veterans River Race in August, a lively spectacle designed to raise funds for both local veterans and the expansion of our Legion building. This spirited affair witnesses the launch of 2,500 rubber ducklings into the Bark River, each vying for victory at the Liberty Park Bridge finish line. The event is a vibrant tapestry of colors and cheers, capturing hearts across generations.
In addition to my legion endeavors, my second passion unfurls along the captivating expanse of the Ice Age Trail. This 1,200-mile hiking pathway meandering through 31 Wisconsin counties holds a special place in my heart. Volunteering alongside a dedicated group of women, affectionately known as “The Blazing Babes,” is a weekly ritual. Together, we paint blazes on trees and posts, and meticulously groom and clear buckthorn, ensuring hikers remain on the right path and experience the trail’s magnificence without losing their way.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
At the Legion I love working with the Veterans. I feel we owe all veterans to help overcome mental, physical and emotional challenges associated with defending our country. On the Ice Age Trail, I love being outside breathing fresh air, smelling the pines and working beside an amazing group of ladies that have passion for each other and the work we do on the trail.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
It would have to be my health that’s been a challenge. I was born with a congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, that was successfully repaired. I have had 3 hernia surgeries, a pulmonary embolism, a severe case of Pericarditis, diabetes and pancreatitis twice. What can I say other than, it is what it is!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Knowing with a high school diploma I worked myself up to an Area Manager supporting 21 AT&T states in Trunk, Planning and Engineering Support. I worked with amazing people throughout the world at AT&T and I am still working with great people at the American Legion and on the Ice Age Trail. I get a lot of satisfaction and gratitude knowing I am mentally and physically helping others through both organizations. Livin’ the dream!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Keep traveling, keep helping the elderly along with those in need. Something exciting??? At the American Legion my buddy Fan and I are chairing the first Veterans Day Celebration Event on November 11th. We don’t start small, we will serve a spaghetti dinner, service branch cake cutting, an Honor Guard ceremony, dancing, raffles, etc.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Don’t ever be afraid to retire because there are so many opportunities out there in volunteering. All you have to do is ask and you are in!
Sherri Ritz & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The Ice Age Trail of course! It is a national scenic trail that only resides in Wisconsin and follows the edge of the last glacier which formed Wisconsin landscapes 12,000 years ago. Lapham Peak State Park is amazing and Nagawicka Lake is beautiful.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Our IAT Blazing Babe Boss, Pat Witkowski! Note the Blazing Babes don’t discriminate, we had a guy join us for one day. Pat has taught so many of us about the landscape of the glaciers, how to create and maintain the trail, taught us high standards for good signage on the trail so you don’t get lost, how to bring in people that may need us, how to help other chapters throughout the state and most important, how to enjoy a good piece of Wisconsin cheese and a good glass of wine!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Lumber Inn for breakfast, Delafield Brewhaus for lunch and I know my husband would want me to say the Delafield American Legion for supper. Lake Country has many amazing restaurants!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Beautiful, peaceful and fun!
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was Eisenhower High Schools 1978 Homecoming Queen. I love Africa. Making a pot of soup every Sunday to share with the elderly and ill makes me happy, and I know the secret recipe for the delicious raccoon supper served at the American Legion Coonfeed!
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
The Sound of Music, my husband is Swiss and his family lives near the Swiss Alps.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My neighbor, Trina Jashinsky, who is fun, accommodating, giving, responsible, adventurous and an amazing strategic planner in the business world.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or any dry wine.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My mother-in-law, Ida, whom I never met. My husband often tells me, “my mom would have liked you, you two are a lot alike.” Luckily, I was able to become great friends with her identical twin sister Aunt Idy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hang glide from the Swiss Alps. Love living on the edge!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Snuggling up with our little girl Lucy and when I see others happy, helping or just enjoying life.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Brighten a veteran’s day by stepping into a Legion and sharing a warm smile, a heartfelt hug, or a reassuring pat on the back. These simple gestures hold immense power. When it comes to the Ice Age Trail, remember that your worth is intertwined with the trails you traverse, the tables you dance upon, and the blazes you paint along the journey.
