William Robert "Bill" Ritchie, age 69, of 5752 Oak Park S. 17.5 Drive, Wells, passed away Thursday afternoon January 21, 2010 at his residence with his loving wife by his side following a courageous battle with health issues.
William was born December 8, 1940 in Warren, MI the son of William and Ann (Sawasky) Ritchie. He was raised in Warren, MI and Cleveland, OH and was a graduate of the Cleveland High School. Following graduation, Bill worked in the Steel Mills before returning to Warren where he became a firefighter. Bill retired in 1993 from the Warren Fire Department, as a Lieutenant, following 25 years of service. He then relocated to the Powers area where he enjoyed his retirement years hunting, fishing and making his wood sculptures. He loved spending time at his camp, "Fort Ritchie", where he often took his son, grandson and firefighter buddies, to enjoy the outdoors. Bill was an excellent Checker player, rarely losing a game. He will be remembered as being a great listener and a very loveable man. In addition, Bill enjoyed plowing out his neighbors on snowy days with his tractor. He will be sadly missed.
Survivors include his wife, the former Donna Rockman who he married on July 28, 2006,
Son: William Robert (Felicia) Ritchie of Holly, MI
Step-sons: Adam Rockman of Green Bay, WI and Aaron (LaSean) Rockman of Columbia, S.C.
4 grandsons: William, Robert, Nicklas and Andrew Ritchie of Holly, MI
Sister: Elizabeth "Bobbi" (Carl) Fisher of Cleveland, OH
Mother-in-law: Verna Sigfred and Grandma Lou Rockman
Many nieces, nephews and good friends
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife Jean on June 25, 2004.
Bill’s family will receive friends on Monday January 25, 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of William Robert Ritchie will follow at 5:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home with Elder Michael Rasmusson officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Escanaba.
