RALPH ADOLPH GRITZO

(July 6-1928 - September 2, 2011) Ralph Adolph Gritzo passed away quietly on September 2, 2011. He was born July 6, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. His immigrant parents were Ludwig Gritzo from East Prussia, and Bertha Kleutsch Gritzo from Cologne, Germany. Much of his youth was spent on a dairy farm in Creve Couer, Mo., where he became experienced in both farming and milk production. He attended high school in University City, Mo., when his family moved to their own farm near New Mella, Missouri. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. Baseball was a love of his, and he was an accomplished pitcher. He pitched for minor league teams in the south, the intimidating fastball his specialty. Unfortunately his baseball career shortened by the development of a sore arm in West Virginia. Even then, he still enjoyed fast-pitch softball with the local teams, where he excelled as a hitter Ralph began his industrial career as an inspector with the McDonnelll Aircraft Corporation at Lambert Field near St. Louis, manufacturers of fighter aircraft. After a few years he joined TEMCO Aircraft Corporation near Dallas, Texas, another military aircraft concern. His last employment was at the Bendix Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. He retired after 26 years with Bendix, and then enjoyed gentleman farming and gardening. He leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Jenny Lee Gritzo, his son Rick Wayne Gitzo, three grandchildren Richard, Jedidiah, and Joshua and several great-grandchildren; his brother Ludwig Gritzo and his wife Lois, and nephews Russell and Louis Gritzo and their families; and long-time family friend Jim Davey. Funeral services will be Saturday September 10, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Garden Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donors choice. Online condolences can be made to www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com