Dave Rittscher Named 2016 Outstanding Tilden Citizen

Dave Rittscher spends every day offering a helping hand in Tilden, leaving few surprised he was selected as the 2016 Tilden's Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

Who was surprised by the recognition? Just him. 

"I didn't expect this. It's not something I was looking for," he said on Saturday morning just before the parade started. "It's an honor, but at first, I was actually embarrassed. But the more people have thanked me and said about me has just blown me away."

Rittscher had worked at Hobby Lobby for 19 years when he decided to start collecting social security and take a couple part-time jobs instead. 

"I didn't want to wait until I couldn't do anything," he said. "So when I retired, I got two part-time jobs and was asked to be one two boards. I haven't learned to say no yet, but I like them."

Rittscher joined the Tilden Library Foundation and the Elkhorn Valley TeamMates boards, which were perfect fits for him. Rittscher has been a TeamMates mentor for years and continues today.

"I think sometimes he mentors me more than I mentor him," Rittscher said. "That's what happens sometimes."

Although Rittscher isn't one to talk about himself much, it's not hard to get him talking about the community or his work at Prairie View Assisted Living. He jokes that he spends time driving people around and getting lost.

​It's easy to tell Rittscher enjoys his job.

"I like Tilden and I like what I do," he said. "I quit my full-time job and took a part-time job at Prairie View, and it's the best job I've ever had. They're neat people."

Rittscher also delivers Meals On Wheels in Tilden and assists with the Antelope County Mobile Food Pantry. He's also a member of the Acts of Kindness group and is active in his church.