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RICHARD JOSEPH RITZLER

Richard Joseph Ritzler, 88, of Alpena, passed away at home Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. He was born on July 18, 1930 in Alpena to the late Raymond and Rose (Muretich) Ritzler. He graduated from St. Anne’s Catholic High School in 1949 and was a lifelong member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church.

Richard Ritzler married Shirley Pierce on Sept. 10, 1953, at the Henry and Elizabeth Catholic Church on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England. Shirley preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 2003.

He was a sergeant with the United States Air Force, serving from 1950-54, and worked as a teletype communications specialist attached to the 7th Air Division of the 485th Communications Squadron located in High Wycombe, England.

In 1955, Richard went to work with his father in the family business, “Ritzler Dry Cleaners.” After his father’s retirement in 1962, Richard co-owned and operated the dry-cleaning business for 31 years with his brother, James Ritzler. Tragically, the nearly 100-year-old family business was destroyed by fire on Aug. 17, 1993.

In his retirement, Richard enjoyed researching family genealogy, and walking and bike riding. He also loved to shovel snow to keep in shape and enjoyed playing poker for nearly 60 years with his friends. He attributed his years of good health to eating two apples a day.

Richard was a member of the U.S. Air Force Association, the Northeast Michigan Genealogy Society, serving as Treasurer for two years, and the Alpena Optimist Club since 1960, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for 24 years.

He received the 1973-74 “Master Secretary/Treasurer” Award from the Michigan District Optimist International, and also the 1985 “Optimist of the Year” Award from the Optimist Club of Alpena for outstanding contribution to his community. In addition, he had worked in the Alpena Optimist Club’s concession trailer at the Alpena County Fair grounds for more than 50 years, and in 2016, celebrated 56 years of service with the Optimist Club.

Richard is survived by his five children, Perri (John) Talaska of Posen, Mich.; Paddi LaCross of Alpena; Jenni (Roger) Johns of Toledo, Ohio; Renni (Yen-Ping) Ritzler of Mt. Pleasant, Mich.; and Lei Anne (Ronald) Meyer of Port Huron, Mich.; along with 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and his brother, James (Suzette) Ritzler. Richard also was preceded in death by a stepsister, Jeanne Sapp, and brother, William Ritzler.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 4-8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with military honors accorded by VFW Post 2496 at 6 p.m. and a parish prayer service to follow at 7 p.m.

Visitation will continue Monday, Jan. 28 at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish, from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with Rev. Joseph Muszkiewicz officiating. Online condolences can be registered at www.mcwilliamsfh.com

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Alpena.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alpena Optimist Club, P.O. 766, Alpena, Mich., 49707, or St. Anne Catholic Church.