FAIRBURY – Norman Phillips Rittenhouse, 74, of Fairbury died unexpectedly at his residence Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, of apparent heart failure.

Friends may call at the Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury at 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014. The funeral service will be 10:00 am on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 at the McDowell Methodist Church, McDowell, conducted by the Rev. Andy Black. Burial will be in Memorial Park, Pontiac full military rites will be accorded.

He is survived by his wife, Patti of Fairbury; two daughters, Susan (Thomas) Hazlett of Bloomington and Sarah (Maurice) Rittenhouse of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one step-daughter, Stephanie Pfersich of Austin, Texas; two brothers, Greg Rittenhouse of Los Angeles, CA.; Eric Rittenhouse of Pensacola, Fla.; two sisters, Beth Newell of Modjeska Canyon, Calif. and Marilyn Metzler of Columbus, Ind.; one granddaughter, Cierra Hazlett of Bloomington and two step-grandchildren, August and Ivy Pfersich of Austin.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Rittenhouse was born June 23, 1940, in Bloomington, IL, the son of Floyd and Dorothy (Phillips) Rittenhouse. He grew up on the family farm in Pontiac and graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1958. He attended Bradley University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. A former U.S. Marine he continued to serve in the National Guard for 6 years, he attended the McDowell Methodist Church, was a former chairman and member of the Fairbury Planning Commission and a former member of the Pontiac Rotary Club.

He married Patti Farnham on June 19, 1993, Fairbury, IL.

An entrepreneur, businessman and inventor, Mr. Rittenhouse was in business for himself for more than 50 years, owning eight businesses that included transportation, retail and manufacturing. Even in grade school, Mr. Rittenhouse had a knack for understanding and fixing engines. Over the years, he earned 14 U.S. patents, nearly all involving innovative methods to build electric motors.

He grew up in an age of exploration and possibilities; when space travel became a reality and technology enabled advancements in every field. These possibilities fueled his passion for learning and inspired his belief that anything is possible. Even in tough times, he said, a person with ambition, passion and a good idea can make it in business.

He started out in the television business on May 13, 1963, when color TV was just being introduced. He ordered 100 sets and, to spur interest, put the sets in people's home for a one-week free trial. He delivered the TVs in evenings because, at that time, TV shows were broadcast in color only at night.

His success in that business led to many other ventures, including flying, building and leasing helicopters. He taught flying lessons to local individuals and even celebrities. Later he designed propulsion systems for riverboats, 14 in all, including the "Spirit of Peoria," and "The Twilight."

In the past two years, he and his work team designed and built special electric motors for the U.S. Navy and other companies. He and his wife also own and operate Fairbury Furniture and Crossroads Furniture in Chenoa. He also was involved in a farming operation.

In addition to his career, Mr. Rittenhouse liked to have fun. "Work hard, play hard" was his motto. An avid motorcyclist, he spent every pleasant weather weekend riding. He even took one final, enjoyable motorcycle ride the afternoon of the day he died.

Pontiac residents could count on seeing Mr. Rittenhouse jet-skiing on the Vermillion River in summers. He also enjoyed waterskiing, To prove that the propulsion system he built for the "Twilight" was capable of high speeds, he waterskied behind the river boat down the Mississippi River.

He was inspired by music, and was a subscriber of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years. Just recently he had begun a music recording business.

He had a wonderful laugh, and when he laughed hard from the belly, it was an infectious sound that made others laugh too.

Mr. Rittenhouse had a deep love for his family and his Central Illinois heritage. He was proud to be involved in his community, and despite numerous career opportunities elsewhere, he never wanted to live anywhere but here.

His family and friends will miss him very much. Memorials may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society or McDowell Methodist Church.