Frederick Kenneth Ritz, a patriarch in one of Wayland’s most famous athletic families, died Saturday, Feb. 22. He was 83.
He 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 later publicly confessed his Christian faith and was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caledonia.
Ken married Judy Leatherman Ritz on Aug. 19, 1967, and received the gift of his beloved companion in his spouse of 57 years. They were blessed with gift of children Coralie (Dave) Miller and Kenny (Pam) Ritz; and with beloved grandkids David (Kiristin), Mack (Claire), Caroline (Justin), Riley, Sydney (Tanner), Camden, and Nolan; and three great-grandchildren Coralie, Eliza, and Dailey; and seven nieces.
Ken’s life was blessed 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, family farm, home), and in the community.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
In memory of Ken and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moline Softball Association or St. Paul Lutheran Sunday School.
