Paul Ritsema

Paul Raymond Ritsema peacefully took his seat at the table of the Lord on Monday, June 12, 2023, with the love of his life, Sharon Ritsema (née Orbeck), faithfully by his side. Married June 30, 1978, Paulie and Shoney built a beautiful life together; Dad/Pops to Nicholas (Kyrstin), David (Crystal), and Allan (Doreen) Ritsema, and later the treasured role of Grammpy to Sebastian, Evelyn, Eliana, Sullivan, and Nadia. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Martha Orbeck; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don and Laura VandenBerg, Ken and Ava Orbeck; aunt, Arlene Faber; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Peter Orbeck.

Paul was a lover of the water; many beautiful days were spent on vacations such as the Jersey Shore, Florida’s white sands, Grand Haven or wading in Lake Leelanau. He loved building massive campfires at their cozy summer getaway at Lighthouse State Park. Paul was endlessly devoted to his wife and kids, always doing whatever it took to make a better life for them. He encouraged his oldest boys at 10 and 12 to start a lawn business, dragging along a push mower, weedwacker and Pipe Works wagon that eventually brought all three boys through high school and beyond. His loving, understanding and supportive nature lives on through his boys, whom he was so proud of.
An avid reader, his Bible and Spurgeon devotional was often by his side, notated and highlighted, or a book about physics or science. He enjoyed working with his hands refurbishing antiques and lamps and ensured that all his boys knew how to care for and fix their cars; a lifelong skill. He loved to cook with Sharon and spent long hours making sure Sunday night pizzas were perfect or the marinara sauce was just right! Paul was never one to miss sneaking a little snack under the table to any one of the family dogs; most favorite of all his mini-dachshund Maxwell and sweet Jeanie. His “Grand-dogs” knew just where Grammpy was seated during any family gathering!

A man of Faith, Paul knew what Glory awaited him in the Kingdom of Heaven and traveled the road gracefully after a delayed cancer diagnosis.

“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art”
~Stuart K. Hine

A private family graveside service will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery.