For Immediate Release
Bradley Police Department Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic Visitation and Services
*Sent Out on Behalf of the Bradley Police Department*
BRADLEY – The Bradley Police Department continues to mourn the loss of Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic. Bradley Police Department Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic, #514, was killed in the line of duty while serving the citizens of Bradley on Dec. 30, 2021.
Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic was born on October 6, 1972, the daughter of James and the late Mary Jane (Thompson) Rittmanic. She met her wife, Lyn Stua, on May 31, 1999 and they were married on June 11, 2011. Marlene was a 21-year law enforcement veteran, having served as both an Iroquois County Deputy and then Bradley Police Officer as of February 13, 2007, she was promoted to Sergeant on September 2, 2014.
Marlene is survived by her wife Lyn Stua of Kankakee, her father James Rittmanic of Naperville, sisters Kimberly Organ of San Marcos, TX, Christina (Ty) O’Connor of Woodlawn, TN, Kathleen (Rodney) Emme of Bourbonnais, Colleen Welch of Plainfield; brother James (Trish) Rittmanic of Oswego; Sister Jennifer (Jerry) Whitaker of Kankakee; as well as several extremely loved, cherished, and close nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Jane Rittmanic, Sister Diana Jessen, Brothers Richard Rittmanic and Mark Rittmanic, and Nephews Richie Absher and Brett Mayhood. As avid dog rescuers, Marlene and Lyn have loved Mickey, Valentine, Samantha, Boo, Sophia, Trigger and Abeline.
Marlene was a leader in community policing. Marlene believed in people and her ability to speak to the community with respect; meet them where they are in life; try to understand their true needs; and work together to find a solution that produced the least disruption in people’s lives. To her- the job was about making the community safe for everyone, she believed and I’m quoting her, ”just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” She was awarded Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2020. Marlene is a published Poet, she was an amateur photographer and film producer for our family events, Bradley Police Department and community events.
Please see visitation and funeral arrangements below:
VISITATION: Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hawkins Centennial Chapel
Olivet Nazarene University
One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
First responder/Military walk-through line-up will begin at 5 p.m. and take place at 6 p.m.
FUNERAL: Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Hawkins Centennial Chapel
Olivet Nazarene University
One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Law Enforcement Procession line-up will begin at 9 a.m.
INTERMENT: Interment services are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor may be made to the Marlene Rittmanic Memorial Fund at Federated Bank in Bradley, IL. Memorials will be accepted at the services and the Clancy Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais, IL which is assisting with arrangements. The family is not utilizing any online crowdfunding sources.
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