It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 of Dion Francis Ritzema, aged 62 of Alto. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Josephine Ritzema; sister, Roseanne Grienke; parents in law, Richard and Marion Stuart. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Catherine (Stuart); children, Aaron (Alecia) Ritzema, Benjamin (Kaylee) Ritzema, Hannah (Jesse) Droog. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Oliver and Duncan Ritzema, Silas Ritzema, Wesson and Denver Droog. He is survived by his brothers; Mark (Annette) Ritzema, Dirk Ritzema, Evan (Ruth) Ritzema; sisters, Ellen Ritzema, Angela (Tom) Hemingsen, Maria (Rohan) Ritzema-DeSilva; brothers and sisters in law, Russell (Christine) Partington, Duane (Carol) Hamilton, Gary (Sandy) Stuart, Daniel (Sandra) Stuart. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Dion put his trust and faith into the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his personal relationship with Jesus was what defined him. He strived to live for Christ and encouraged others to as well. He was a true example of a man who served and lived for the Lord. His example and love will be missed by so many. Visitation will held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. with a third visitation one hour prior. Both the service and visitation will be held at Alaska Baptist Church, 7240 68th St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. Pastor Brian F. Harrison officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.
21 Responses
Dion will be greatly missed. He did so much for others and the church. He never sought after praise or acknowledgement for his service. His passing leaves a big hole in all our hearts. We are able to rejoice in the knowledge that he is with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ritzema family during this time. May God console you.
Dion will be greatly missed. He did so much for others and the church. He never sought after praise or acknowledgements for his service. His passing leaves a big hole in all our hearts. We are able to rejoice in the knowledge that he is with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ritzema family during this time. May God console you.
My love and prayers are with this blessed family in the loss of their dear husband, Father, and Grandpa. His life and love for his Lord and family was truly evident. I will ever thank the Lord for bringing this family into our life and will love and cherish the memories we have made and know that we will meet again in Heaven. May God uphold you and preserve you through these difficult days and weeks. I love you all so much.
Dear Cathy, Hannah and family,
Our hearts are breaking for your family during this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss but rejoice in knowing Dion is with our Heavenly Father. He was such a kind man and served Jesus very well. He will be missed.
With love,
the Steiners
Melissa and I were heart broken at the news. Dion was always incredibly warm and friendly to us and was a fantastic role model and helper for us growing up at SCBC. He was always quick to help out in any situation and once out of pity, let me score on him in a game of basketball. 🙂 We grieve with his family and rejoice knowing that he is at home with his Savior
Cathy and family, we are saddened to hear about Dion’s passing. But we know where he is. We mourn his physical presence but rejoice that he is with his Savior.
It is with tears streaming down my face that I write this. I am so grateful to have had the chance to know and work with Dion. I admired him for his strength in his faith, his consistency in his positive outlook on life and his love of his family. I believe that he is walking in Heaven now.
I am so sorry for your loss and hope that over time you will be able to smile and laugh once again at thoughts of Dion and his life here with you on earth. In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
I worked with Dion off and on over the past decade. He was always patient, gracious, wise, and helpful, as befits someone who loves Jesus and follows His example. He will be sorely missed.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Dion. He was a great man who lived by his beliefs everyday. He was a great work colleague and a pleasure to be around. We shall miss him greatly.
It has been years since we’ve seen Cathy and Dion, but I want to express our deepest sympathies. Years ago, both Dion and Cathy reached out to me and our family as newcomers to SCBC. I was fresh out of high school and trying to figure out our new life in St. Louis. I loved being in the church choir with them, getting to know their sweet family, and being made to feel part of their lives. John and I both send our love and prayers…hugs if we could!
I am hard pressed to consider a better modern day example of practical Biblical manhood than Dion Ritzema. As a boy growing up with his children, I saw in him one who sacrificed for the spiritual good of his family, loved his wife and children dearly, and who lead them consistently in an example of service to the Church. He worshiped God by serving God. His faith in Christ alone apart from works manifested itself in obedience to Christ who said “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (John 13:14-15). I am thankful for such a man who demonstrated how to work, not for the food which perishes but for the food which endures to eternal life (Jonn 6:27a).
I am very sorry to hear that Dion passed away. The Ritzema’s were our neighbors growing up in Lowell. We spent many afternoons playing football and baseball with Mark, Dirk, and Dion. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ritzema family.
My deepest condolences on your loss. I will always remember Dion for the fantastic team player that he was and an even better man. We will miss him deeply.
Aaron & Alecia- I’m so very sorry to hear about your dad’s death. Praying now that you would sense a warm comforting embrace from the Lord who is ever near to you now and always.I will continue to lift you & your family up in prayer. With much love, Linda Huls
I remember him fondly in AWANA as lots of fun and how he sang well and loved Jesus. He will be missed greatly.
My thoughts and prayers to Dion’s family that they may feel His Peace during this time. Dion’s passion, intellect, and love of our Savior impacted me greatly. I am saddened for him to go, but rejoice in his reward. Until we meet again, you will be missed. Lord have mercy!
My sincere condolences to the Ritzema family. Dion was a good friend and had a profound impact on everyone he knew. He was always willing to help when asked with a smile and a quick wit. I will miss Dion very much and will remember many fond memories. God bless you Dion.
On behalf of the late Bob and Carol Reagan, all 9 of us siblings and our families send our deep sympathy to all our childhood friends, the entire Ritzema family. Our hearts are broken at the pain of your loss but we know God is wrapping His loving arms around all of you to comfort you. Please accept our collective love and wishes for peace to you all.
I am shocked and saddened hear of Dian’s passing. My sincerest condolences on your loss. My interactions with Dion were always kind and warm hearted. My thoughts are of him and his family. He will we greatly missed and so fondly remembered.
Our deepest condolences to Cathy and the entire Ritzema family, and the Alaska Baptist Church family. You all have been and will continue to be in our prayers for peace and comfort during this time of loss. We grieve, but not as those who have no hope, taking solace in the fact that Dion is now with and singing for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that we will all see him again.
With much love,
Jim, Sherri, and Derek Beary
I was extremely saddened to hear that Dion passed away. He will be missed by his family, friends, co-workers and myself. I will always remember Dion as a man who exemplified the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). That is:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
and Self-Control