BLUE MOUND, Ill. (WAND) - More than 60 people, from 12 different farms, made their way to the fields planted by Tom Ritter Friday. The community showing all started with one comment made to Diana Ritter on the day her husband died just over a month ago.
"The day of the accident, one of the farmers that was helping get Tom out of the grain bin told Cory, 'We will come in and help you harvest,'" Diana said.
From there, the promise blossomed. Crews brought their own equipment to help the Ritter family get their crops harvested.
"I always thought a lot of my dad, but today shows what other people thought about him," said Cory Ritter, one of Tom's sons. "The fact that everyone would be so willing to give up a beautiful fall day, provide their own equipment, their own labor just to help put a family out shows the greatness of ag and the kindness of the ag community."
Community members also provided lunch to the hardworking teams and ensured the whole process stayed organized. It was another way for them to give back, which was something Tom was known for.
"He sacrificed a lot for this community, for his friends out here that are helping with harvest, and his church community as well," said Cole. "Dad was a man of God, a man of the community, he was a man of the farm."
In total, more than 60 people helped the Ritter family. More than a dozen combines were used, and 70 pounds of meat were smoked and given to the volunteers.
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