Rev. Robert D. Ritsema

Rev. Robert D. Ritsema, age 80, of Cedar Lake, IN, formerly of Grand Rapids, MI went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Husband of Cheryl Ritsema, nee Van Til.  Loving father of  Robert M. (Lisa) Ritsema, Laura (Gary) Schreiber, and Staci (Darrell) Dies. Grandfather of Austin (Shianne) Ritsema, Seth Ritsema, Makenzie Ritsema, Margot (fiancé Evan Elmore) Schreiber, Amanda Schreiber, Garret Schreiber, Benjamin Schreiber, Cheridan Dies and Warren Dies and two great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Knox Ritsema.  Brother of Dr. James A. (Esther) Ritsema, Gordon (Drynda) Ritsema, Rev. John (Cindy) Ritsema, and the late Calvin (Ruth) Ritsema.  Brother-in-law of Rick (Barb) Van Til and Elaine (Mitch) Baker and former sisters-in-law Kathy Alderink and Karen Slopsema.  Uncle of many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his parents James E. and Jane Ritsema, and by his parents-in-law Warren and Lou Van Til.

Rev. Ritsema graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI  and served various churches throughout his ministry including McBain CRC in McBain, MI, 2nd CRC in Allendale, MI, Bradenton CRC in Bradenton, FL, 1st CRC of South Holland, IL, South Grandville CRC in Grandville, MI, Northern Heights CRC in Kalamazoo, MI and Anchor House Seafarers’ Ministry in Port Manatee, FL.

A memorial visitation with family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Graafschap CRC in Holland, MI with Rev. Art Van Wolde officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Rehoboth Christian School ( www.rcsnm.org ) or to the family in C/O Laura Schreiber, P.O. Box 278, Cedar Lake, IN 46303.  For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.