Jim "Ritz" Ritzenhein

Jim “Ritz” Ritzenhein, 84, of Vulcan followed his wife Home on Feb. 26, 2025, from St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI. Jim was born on March 19, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MI, son of the late Gerard and Mary Lou (Huxoll) Ritzenhein. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1958. After graduation Jim enlisted with the Naval Reserve, serving 3 years before being medically discharged. In 1959 Jim 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, MI. Jim 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 wonderful husband, father, and devoted 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 KofC. An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting, fishing, and in earlier years scuba diving. Jim will be deeply missed by his 4 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; 6 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 2 grandchildren, Annmarie Hytinen and Abraham Ritzenhein; 2 siblings, Joan (Don) Fitzpatrick and Janine Mourer; and two brother-in-laws, Don Fitzpatrick and Ron Umlor. Jim’s family would like to thank the caring staff at both 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 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with evening services starting at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Barbara Catholic Church, 159 Mission St. in Vulcan, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, followed by a Rosary service at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Martin Flynn will be officiating the Funeral Mass at 11:00 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.

Jim "Ritz" Ritzenhein

March 19, 1940 - February 26, 2025