Gerald W. Ritz's Obituary
Mr. Gerald W. Ritz, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022. He was born on June 9, 1931 to Julius and Lugeni (Morris) Ritz in Muskegon. A lifelong resident of the area, Gerald worked as a machinist at Dresser Industries, as it was known then, for many years. He enjoyed spending his time cheering on the Detroit Lions, eating good food, and watching his beloved animal shows and Gunsmoke. Gerald was an excellent gardener and spent countless hours tending to his, and others, beautiful flower gardens. Gerald is survived by his son, Jerry (Renee) Ritz; grandchildren, Andrea (Nick) Kauranen, Jerry (Amanda) Firehammer and Courtney Riley, and Mark (Ashely) Bowen and Brendan Bowen (Gresni Lopez); great-grandchildren, Michaela, Mia and Melody Kauranen, Aldrin Bowen, and Kvothe Reed; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two children, Christy Bowen Ritz and Mark Ritz; and siblings, Julius Ritz, Barbara Wood, and James Ritz. A Funeral Service will be held 12:00PM on Monday, October 10 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Entombment to take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Please feel free to visit Gerald’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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