Ryley Michael Lotz

Ryley Michael Lotz July 26, 2006 – October 29, 2025
On a cool autumn afternoon, Ryley Michael Lotz slipped from this world, peacefully, and surrounded by the family and loved ones that shaped his life.
Ryley was born on July 26, 2006, to new parents, Michael and Brittanie Lotz of Saginaw. Ryley grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. He began his school years in Freeland before the family settled in Shields, where he became a proud Swan Valley Viking, known for his humility, work ethic, and steady heart.
Although Ryley competed in several sports as he grew up, he held wrestling close to his heart. He wrestled not only with strength and intelligence, but with purpose. A four-year varsity letter winner, team captain, 100-match victor, and individual State Qualifier, he led with quiet resolve and stoic grit. After completing his high school career, he attended Cleary University on a wrestling scholarship. While at Cleary, he earned the respect of teammates who saw in him, a rare breed of leader, one who lifted others higher, simply by being himself. Aside from competing, Ryley generously gave back to the sport, and family, that forged him. He passionately coached, and mentored, youth wrestlers for several years, helping to guide his brothers, and other young competitors, alike. Ryley had also prepared to join the Swan Valley varsity wrestling staff this season.
When the mat was silent, the woods became his sanctuary. Whether chasing deer through morning fog, setting the hook on the tug of a line, or, listening to the gentle whistle of wings overhead, he found God in the outdoors. The thrill of the hunt wasn't about taking life, but about feeling alive, connecting to the earth, to his Creator, and to those beside him. Many of those moments were shared with his best friend, Nathan Schramke, with whom he is now reunited in Heaven's wild backcountry.
Ryley's heart also belonged to Violet Boehler, his love, his constant, his future. Together, they dreamed of a lifetime that, though shorter than anyone wished, was already full of deep love and devotion, which most never know.
He is preceded in death by his cousin, Madeline Birchmeier; grandmothers, Katherine DeGroot and Judith VanBrunt; his best friend Nathan Schramke; and his college roommate, Ryan Mosher.
Those left to carry his light include his parents, Michael and Brittanie Lotz, brothers Cadyn and Greyson, his girlfriend (Fianceé) Violet, and countless family and friends whose lives were forever changed by his kindness, laughter, and generous heart.
His story is not a farewell, but a reminder, to live fully, love deeply, and meet God in the wind and stillness, just as he did. His flame burns on in the hearts he touched. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Swan Valley High School, 8400 O'Hern Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48609. Friends may visit with the family at Swan Valley High School. Those wishing to make a donation in honor of Ryley's life may consider memorial contributions to Michigan Outdoors Wishmakers.
Written by: Drew Hart