September 24, 1939 – May 29, 2023
Pastor John Ritter Jr., 84, of Levering, passed away on May 29, 2023, at his home with family by his side. He joined his cherished wife of 58 years, Delcina.
John is survived by his children Mabel Carson, John Paul (Kendra) Ritter, and Deanne Boots; grandchildren, Noah, Logan, Levi, Paige and Merette Carson, Samantha (Alec) Friedenstab, Jonathan (Cheyann) Ritter, Kira Honson, Brittany (John) Kennedy and Amanda (Alex) Boots; great-grandchildren Kiki Griffin, Eli and Norah Friedenstab, Buddy and Isabelle Kennedy and Reese and Noel Ritter; sisters Shirley (Warren) Lindsey and Judy (Darrell) Patterson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents, John and Bertelle Ritter; and brother Paul.
John was born and raised in Northern Michigan. He attended Traverse City High School. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps where he proudly served four years, during the beginning of the Vietnam conflict. On leave from the Marines, he met the love of his life Delcina, and after a courtship of letters, they married. They spent the next 58 years serving the Lord and raising their family in Michigan. John spent his early adulthood as an electrical motor repairman and operated a boarding kennel. In his mid-thirties, he was called to serve the Lord. He became a Licensed Local Pastor of the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed assisting small churches throughout western Michigan.
Outside of church, John enjoyed animals. He and Delcina owned a kennel and raised collies. He also raised many types of house birds, horses, rabbits and in his final years, goats.
Always by his wife’s side, they planted and cultivated beautiful gardens, and traveled to many national and state parks. They loved family gatherings, and their house always had an open door.
A celebration of life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at New Hope United Methodist Church in Levering. The family will receive visitors Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice he is with his Savior and his beloved wife.
Friends wishing to show their support through a charitable donation are asked to please consider New Hope United Methodist Church (4516 US-31, Levering, MI 49755) or directly to the John’s family.
*Ritter, John F. (Delcina) – DECEASED [(RL) FL 1978; PL 1980; FL 1984; RL 2001] Ashley, Bannister 10/16/1978; Rosebush (PT) 1980; Edwardsburg: Hope 3/1/1984; Smith Corners, Crystal Valley, Walkerville 1988; Carlisle 9/1/1990; Girard, Ellis Corners 1994; Turk Lake 7/8/1996; Retired 11/1/2001.
Last Updated on June 7, 2023