David John Ritsema's Obituary
David John Ritsema, age 74, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was born on July 14, 1950, in Harvey, Illinois. Hope College is what lured him to Michigan, but it was Maryl, the love of his life, that kept him here. Dave majored in Math with a minor in English with hopes of landing a teaching position. Those plans changed when on May 27, 1972, he married Maryl J. Hage and Dave began working for his new father-in-law, Russ Hage, at his bookstore in downtown Muskegon, Hage’s Christian Supplies. He went from novice businessman to running the store and owning it until the day of his retirement. Dave also had a second job of umpiring for the Amateur Softball League. In his 34 years of umpiring, he earned the respect of the players and his colleagues. In addition, Dave taught many umpires at local clinics, state clinics, and ASA National Umpire Schools. In 2016, he was inducted into the Michigan Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame. Dave was an active member at Unity Reformed Church, teaching Adult Sunday School, leading small group Bible Study, writing VBS skits, and singing in the choir. He is survived by his children: Patrick (Jacklyn) Ritsema, Ben (Sarah) Ritsema, and Loralee (Keith) Oppenhuizen; 8 beloved grandchildren: Jordan, Jacob (Danielle), Clayton, Isaac, Owen, Abigail, Allison, and Amelia; great-grandchildren Harper and Gwendolyn; sisters, Mary Berumen and Barb (Ray) Housman; sister-in-law, Judith Fusko; and special friend, JoAnn Doering. Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Maryl Ritsema. VISITATION will be Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at Unity Reformed Church, 1521 Porter Rd., Muskegon, MI 49441 with a CELEBRATION OF LIFE being held Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:00AM also at Unity Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Muskegon Christian School or the USA Softball of Michigan Umpire Foundation Fund. Please consider sharing memories and signing the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com. Arrangements through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI. 49444.
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