Marvin John Ritsema

Marvin John Ritsema, age 76, of Grandville, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Ritsema (Proctor) on July 26, 2015; sister, Beth Noble; brother, John Ritsema. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Cheri and Ken Dykhouse, Kathi and Todd Hammond, Mary and Matt vanBuren; grandchildren, Kara and Christian Chan, Erin Dykhouse, Tony Dykhouse, Deshawn Dykhouse, Kayleigh Hammond, Troy Hammond, Tate Hammond, Ian vanBuren, Nathaniel vanBuren; stepchildren, Dave and Schel Heydenburg, Linda and Bill Rosecrans, Laurie and David Cotto, Carolyn and Mitch Havens, Mark Lamse; sister, Luanne Ritsema; brother-in-law, Wayne Noble; sister-in-law, Patricia Ritsema; many nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday 3 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 1:30-3 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Patient Assistance Fund.

Leave Your Tribute Message

December 31, 2015

My sympathy to your family! I go way back with your dad. He was my choir director at Western Christian School in Hull, Iowa in 1962-63. Already as a freshman, I was asked to sing solos by him. His encouragement was the start of a life-long love of singing choral music in Calvin College and later. I was heartbroken when he left after my sophomore year! And he took me as a sophomore in senior choir! What an honor. I wish I knew what happened to him! I would love an email from you, if you have time. Pat .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

- Pat Geels Oostenink

November 29, 2015

I recently learned of Mr. Ritsema's passing and was saddened to hear. As a former choir student of Mr. Ritsema's at Holland Christian Middle School and High School, I have many fond memories of choir and madrigal rehearsals, performances, church services, chapel services and competitions. I am forever grateful for his influence in my life and the blessing of having known Mr. Ritsema. May God's comfort be with his family.

- Dan Doebler

November 08, 2015

We just now heard about passing of Marv. We so enjoyed spending time with your Dad and Jane over the years up north at Brooks Lake. He has always been like an extra Grandpa to our kids at the lake in the summer. Praying God will give you peace and comfort during this time , The Smith Family

- Don & Nancy Smith

November 01, 2015

Dear Cheri, Ken, Cara, Christian, Erin, Tony, Deshawn, We're so sorry to hear of your Dad's and Grandpa's death. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers this week and going forward as you grieve his loss and honor his memory together. Sending our love, Marie and Scott VanderLinde

- Marie VanderLinde

October 30, 2015

I am so grateful to have gotten to know Marv over the past few months. Our daily visits were full of wonderful conversation and lighthearted humor. One thing that was abundantly clear - he loved his family very much. Rest in Peace, Marv. You will be missed greatly.

- Sheila Guston

October 29, 2015

Remembering all of our family reunions through the years! Uncle Marve will be missed! Sending our heartfelt condolences...

- Susan Ritsema Garrison

October 29, 2015

Love and Prayers for all of us as we grieve. Gone from our lives, but remembered in our hearts and minds. I can imagine parents, Beth , John Jane and Marve having a wonderful reunion!

- Patricia Ritsema