Richard Ritzschke

FUNERAL SERVICES: 1 PM Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Snellman, MN RICHARD ERICH RITZSCHKESeptember 20, 1935 ~ October 31, 2008 Richard Erich Ritzsche, age 73 of Ponsford, MN formerly of Chaska, MN passed away peacefully on Friday October 31, 2008 at his home on Bass Lake. He was born September 20, 1935 in Herman, MN to Erich and Gladys Ritzchke. In 1946, the Ritzschke family purchased and developed a resort on Bass Lake near Ponsford, MN. In 1950, his family moved back to the family farm in Herman. He graduated from the Herman High School in 1954. In January of 1955, he entered the United States Navy where he proudly served four and a half years on the USS Forestall. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Ellingson on July 10, 1956 in Southmills, NC. This union was blessed with two children: Robert and Kim. The family made their home in Chaska, MN where Richard worked as a carpenter for three years. Later, he began working as a heavy equipment operator for the Plehal Blacktop Company in a career that spanned 36 years until his retirement in 1997. Richard loved the out of doors. He was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman, who especially enjoyed the times he could spend with his friends and family pursuing these interests. He was a member of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Snellman. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 52 years, Marilyn; his son, Robert Ritzschke of Minnetrista, MN; his daughter, Kim Eiden and husband, Michael of Glencoe, MN; his grand children: Sarah (Ryan) Bratsch, Holly Eiden, Jennifer (Jesse) Johnson and Angela Eiden; one great grandson, Alex Eiden; two sisters: Joanne Gilbertson and Dianne Reimers. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Loretta and a brother, David. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Snellman, MN with the Reverend Bill Neumann officiating. The honorary Casket bearers will be his grandchildren: Sarah Bratsch, Holly Eiden, Jennifer Johnson and Angela Eiden. Military honors will be conducted by the Star Of The North Marine Corps League.