Ken Ritz

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality through the light of the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant, Ken. Frederick Kenneth Ritz was given life in his mother’s womb by his Creator and was born on Feb. 28, 1941, the child of Walt and Eda Ritz, and brother of Wayne. He received the gift of Holy Baptism on April 2, 1941 and he became a child of the living God. He publicly confessed his Christian faith and was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, when he received for the first time that day the precious gift of the Lord’s life giving body and blood. On August 19, 1967, he married the love of his life and received the gift of his beloved companion in his spouse of 57 years, Judy (Leatherman). They were blessed with gift of children Coralie (Dave) Miller and Kenny (Pam) Ritz; and with dearly beloved grandkids David (Kiristin), Mack (Claire), Caroline (Justin), Riley, Sydney (Tanner), Camden, and Nolan; and three great-grandchildren Coralie, Eliza, and Dailey; and seven wonderful nieces. The Lord also blessed Ken's life with many special people as he served God in his vocations at home, particularly in his barn, on ball fields (specifically in Moline), at church (St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool, Caledonia), at work (General Motors, Gun Lake Casino, and family farm and home), and in the community. And finally on February 22, 2025, God blessed Ken with a Holy death and took him home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead and eternal life on the new earth where he is reunited with his mom, dad, and his best friend, and brother, Wayne. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord for our brother, Ken.

Ken was a founding member of Moline Softball Association, and he was the one who came up with the slogan, “Where the game is still played.” He loved softball, Moline, family, and friends. He had a quick witted personality, and he would help anyone who needed it. He loved sharing his passion for fastpitch softball and continued to bring others to the game.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Officiant, Pastor Timothy J. Brand. Ken's service will be live-streamed from St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool's Facebook page. In memory of Ken and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moline Softball Association or St. Paul Lutheran Sunday School. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in Ken's online guestbook.