Jim ‘Ritz’ Ritzenhein

Jim was born on March 19, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Mich., son of the late Jerry and Mary Lou (Huxell) Ritzenhein. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1958. After graduation Ritz enlisted with the Naval Reserve, serving three years before being medically discharged.

In 1959 Ritz met Judy Robinson on a blind date. They fell in love and on Aug. 19, 1961, were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evart, Mich. Ritz worked as an electrician for most of his life including as an electrical supervisor for M.J. Electric until his retirement in 1999.

He was a faithful husband, father, and member of St. Barbara Catholic Church. Jim volunteered on the school board and as a firefighter when living in Rapid River while raising his family. Jim also held memberships with the Elks Club, Local IBEW, Marbles Knife Club and the Knights of Columbus. An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting, fishing, and in earlier years scuba diving.

Jim will be deeply missed by his four children, Chris Ritzenhein Sr., Andy (Kristine) Ritzenhein, Ann Walker, and Katie (Tom) Johnson; 10 grandchildren, Jason Ritzenhein, Chris Jr. (Emilia) Ritzenhein, Jimmy Ritzenhein, Marlow Ritzenhein, Levi Ritzenhein, Morgan (Kody) Sebo, Erin (Jamie) Hudson, Shana (Joey) D’Ambrosio, Courtney (Jeremy) Schachter, Anthony Newman; six great-grandchildren, Alexia Ritzenhein, Adelina Ritzenhein, Alyana Ritzenhein, Augustine Ritzenhein, Evelynn Sebo, and Ayden Sebo; six siblings, Pat (Ron) Umlor, Virginia Flannigan, Mary Ritzenhein, Peggy (Mike) Bitely, Jerry (Marcia) Ritzenhein, and Barb (Randy) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jim is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Annmarie Hytinen and Abraham Ritzenhein; two siblings, Joan (Don) Fitzpatrick and Janine Mourer; and two brothers-in-laws, Don Fitzpatrick and Ron Umlor.

Jim’s family would like to thank the caring staffs of HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital for their excellent care and for making it possible for Jim and Judy to be together during her last moments.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, with evening services starting at 6 p.m.at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 7, followed by a Rosary service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Barbara Catholic Church, 159 Mission St. in Vulcan. Fr. Martin Flynn will be officiating the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday at Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jim “Ritz” Ritzenhein online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.