Col. Allan E. Ritzer, USAF (Ret.)

Col. Allan E. Ritzer, USAF (Ret.), a Vietnam War veteran, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon. He was 86 years old. Born on March 6, 1938, in Oregon City, Oregon, Allan was the son of the late Paul and Doris Ritzer.

A proud and dedicated serviceman, Col. Ritzer served in the United States Air Force for 36 years, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military career was marked by distinction, and he earned several awards and medals including, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Award, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He continued to serve his fellow veterans as an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

Allan had a deep love for his family and was a beloved member of his community. A proud member of the Corvettes Limited of Central Georgia, Allan’s passion for cars was only matched by his skill and dedication. He famously rebuilt a Corvette from the frame of restoration, pouring his heart and soul into his projects.

Allan’s sense of humor, though often corny and dry, was infectious. He had a special way of making everyone around him smile with his unique wit. After retiring from the military, Allan channeled his craftsmanship into the art of jewelry making, working at Van’s Pawn Mart where his talent and attention to detail were greatly appreciated.

Allan will be remembered for his service to his country, and his love for family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Allan was preceded in death by the love of his life of 62 years, wife, Nina Joan Ritzer; as well as grandson, Gerrit Asher Dempsey; and brother, Paul Ritzer.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, Heidi Glade (Kevin), Jill Lang (Seth), Holly Wade (Bob), and Jennifer Dempsey (Van); grandchildren, Elizabeth Glade, Cody Lang, Nash Lang (Cheyanne), Drew Wade (Blair), Millie Parke (Jeff), Ross Dempsey, and Hayden Dempsey (Mary Katherine); great-grandchildren, Savina Lang, Kamdyn Lang, Avery Lang, Presley Wade, Walker Wade, and Lochlan Parke along with many other loving family members and friends.

A memorial gathering with Allan’s family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Allan’s life will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Col. Allan E. Ritzer, USAF (Ret.) will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Col. Allan E. Ritzer, USAF (Ret.) to Hospice Care Options, 306 N. Davis Drive, Ste. C., Warner Robins, GA 31093.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.