Judy Ritzenhein

She was born on July 23, 1940, in Petoskey, Mich., daughter of the late Patrick and Doris (Allison) Robinson. After graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 1958 at Evart High School, Judy completed the nursing program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.

While attending the nursing program she met the love of her life, James Ritzenhein, on a blind date. On Aug. 19, 1961, they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evart, Mich. Judy worked for various hospitals and nursing homes before the family settled in Kingsford and she began working at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, serving on the scholarship committee awarding scholarships to future nurses, before retiring in 1999.

A long-time member of St. Barbara Catholic Church, Judy was talented in many things to include baking and as a seamstress. She enjoyed spending her time quilting, reading, antiquing, crafting, and working on puzzles with Jim. The Stonington Peninsula cottage was her favorite place to spend time in the summer months. After retiring, Judy and Jim spent the winter months in Rockport, Texas where they met several dear friends.

Judy will be deeply missed by her husband, Jim Ritzenhein; 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; 6 great-grandchildren, Alexia Ritzenhein, Adelina Ritzenhein, Alyana Ritzenhein, Augustine Ritzenhein, Evelynn Sebo, and Ayden Sebo; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Robinson and Kathy Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Annmarie Hytinen and Abraham Ritzenhein; and three siblings, Richard Robinson, Bill Robinson, and Cheryl (Eugene) Leppiaho.

Judy’s family would like to thank the caring staff in the ICU of St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as the staff at St. Vincent hospital, 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, 2025, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., with evening services starting at 6 p.m. 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 Judy Ritzenhein online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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