Donald Ritsema

Throughout his life that spanned nearly a century, Donald Ritsema lived life to the fullest each day while holding his loved ones near. He was outgoing and approachable with a love for talking to anyone he met. A devoted husband and father, Don worked hard to provide for the family he treasured. Don leaves behind many wonderful memories.

Life during the early part of the 1900s was drastically different from the life we know and love in America today. With the end of WWI in 1918, we were recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores for what was to come, America led the way into the 1920s when endless amounts of innovation took us places we have never been. It was in 1919 that Albert Ritsema and Jeanette (Terpstra) Ritsema were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Donald, on December 16th, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years later, his sister Ruth was born, followed by his brother Bill three years later.

In many ways, Don experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of his generation. His father worked in the factory at Kelvinator while his mother was a busy homemaker. Don attended Southwest Christian School during his earliest years and later went on to Davis Tech, which was his school of choice since they offered him the opportunity to participate in his first love - football. He also excelled in track there and went on to graduate in the mid-thirties.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Don’s introduction to his true love. Her name was Harriet Grit, and they were intrigued with each other right from the start. They dated on and off over the several years that followed and eventually decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Don and Harriet were married on June 20, 1941, in Grand Rapids.

The early 1940s found our nation entrenched in WWII overseas, and Don entered the Army in March of 1943. He served in the field artillery and saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. While in France Don met up with his brother, Bill also serving in the Army, who was only three farmhouses away. The brothers had no idea they were so close to one another. Don was discharged in December of 1945.

With his duty to his country fulfilled, Don returned home and began working in Grand Rapids. He and his wife lived in an apartment in Southwest Grand Rapids. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Donna, in 1946.

The family traveled to California to visit and stayed for a while with family. While there, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert in 1948. Soon after they decided to return to Michigan. They purchased a home on Kenning Dr. NW. In 1950, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Linda.

In 1952, they decided to return to California for warmer weather and family ties. While there, Don worked for the U.S. Post Office and sold insurance. Four years later, for the final time they returned to Grand Rapids and lived with Don’s parents until they purchased a house on Powers NW where they lived for over 40 years. In Grand Rapids he made a career in the insurance industry, selling insurance for Prudential Insurance. Throughout his 30 years with the company, Don was well known and respected on the West Side.

There were numerous things that kept Don busy through the years, and they were even better when shared with the ones he loved. He and Harriet were charter members of Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church, which later became known as Westend Christian Reformed Church. They enjoyed camping with friends and spending time in the outdoors. Over the years they traveled extensively throughout the United States. Don was a musical person who enjoyed singing and playing the harmonica. He and Harriet frequently sang duets in churches, and they were both involved in quartets, as well. Don led hymn sings in his church, Gold Avenue Chapel, and also on Sundays in the summer at Ludington State Park. It was his faith that sustained him after the death of his beloved wife in 1998. Don loved a good match of horseshoes and enjoyed watching football games.

All who knew Donald Ritsema would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a man of faith, and it was his faith that guided his steps. Don had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes with a zest for life that was contagious to those around him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Donald Ritsema, age 94, entered into eternal rest with his Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet, sister Ruth Kloostra, brother Bill Ritsema and son-in-law, Louis Owen. Surviving are his children, Donna and Leonard Bergsma of Walker, Bob and Shirley Ritsema of Moline, Linda Owen of Connecticut, his 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Don served his country in WWII in Europe in the Field Artillery. He was a life insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Co for 30 years. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2PM at Westend Christian Reformed Church. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. . Friends may meet the family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW and at Church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westend Christian Reformed Church Mission Fund, 1015 Westend NW, 49504 or Spectrum Health Hospice. To leave a memory, read Don’s’ lifestory, or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com