MASON CITY — Dennis G. “Cookie” Ridder, 90, of Mason City, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center, leaving loved ones with memories of his sharp mind, knack for fixing things and enthusiasm for travel, cards and basketball.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.
Dennis was born February 6, 1936, in Klemme to Levi and Dolores (Koerner) Ridder. Growing up, he learned to repair broken things rather than replace them, developing practical skills and a determination to figure out how things worked. That resourcefulness stayed with him throughout his life.
After graduating from Klemme High School in 1954, Dennis joined the United States Air Force that June. He served in Wiesbaden, West Germany, and was honorably discharged in August 1958. He married Elvira Lind on February 6, 1958.
His familiar nickname came from his career as a Nabisco sales representative. During 17 years with the company, he became known as the “Cookie Man,” later shortened to “Cookie,” according to his obituary from Major Erickson Funeral Home. He retired in 1976.
Dennis enjoyed playing cards, following the stock market and watching basketball. He supported Mason City school teams and was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. His family also recalled his remarkable command of trivia while watching “Jeopardy!”
Travel gave Dennis plenty of stories to share. He took his family on vacations during the 1970s, enjoyed amusement parks and made trips to Las Vegas, where he once sat beside entertainer Redd Foxx at a casino. Before his health declined, he also drove his van to Mardi Gras.
Dennis is survived by his children, Marilyn (Dirk) Petersen and Marian Klein, both of Des Moines, and Dennis C. Ridder of Mason City; grandchildren, Blake Petersen, Andrew Petersen, Tyler (Samantha) Ridder and Zachary Ridder; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira; daughter, Marlene “Pinny”; parents, Levi and Dolores; infant sister, Marilyn; brother, Roger; great-grandchild, Beckett A. Petersen; and Tricia Green.
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