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Ralph Nitz Obituary
Ralph E. Nitz
SPRINGFIELD - Ralph E. Nitz, 66, of Springfield, IL, died on the morning of Thursday, March 10, 2011, as a result of heart complications. He was born on August 23, 1944, in Portland, OR to the late Reverend Carl and Edna Hoefener Nitz. He married Judy Gunderman on July 30, 1966, and she preceded him in death on August 30, 1999. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Reverend Wilford and Ted Nitz.
Ralph is survived by his son, Todd (Angie) Nitz of Dallas, TX; one daughter, Julie (Reverend Derek) Riddle of Delavan, IL; five much-loved grandchildren; two brothers, Carl (Joyce) Nitz of Portland, OR and Reverend Ronald (Jackie) Nitz of Seward, AK; one sister, Naomi Maasberg of Portland, OR; one sister in law, Judy Nitz of LaGrand, OR; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ralph is best known as the long-time principal of Lutheran High School in Springfield, which he helped start in 1979. At the high school, Ralph could be found not only working at his well-organized desk or giving a Powerpoint presentation in the classroom, but pretty much anywhere around the campus. You might come across him whistling softly to himself as he repaired a wall or re-wired a light switch. At any moment he might zoom around the corner on his favorite lawnmower or in his new golf cart, sometimes with his little dog, Myrrhy, by his side. You could hear him coming down a hallway, keys jingling and deep voice resonating. Of course, his life wasn't entirely spent at the school; on a summer evening you would probably find him with his feet up, enjoying a Cardinals game, or maybe backstage at the Muni.
After retiring in 2007, Ralph found great joy in continuing to repair buildings and teach minds at LuHi. He also relished the extra time retirement provided to tinker in his beloved workshop, teach Sunday morning Bible class, orchestrate Thrivent meetings, make cookies with his grandchildren, and insult people.
While his departure from this world will be grieved by many who loved him, we rejoice that Ralph is now having a grand time getting settled into heaven. Because of his living faith in Jesus, who lived and died and rose from the dead to make us His brothers and sisters, we can now with full confidence picture Ralph greeting his Judy with a long-awaited hug, shaking hands with Martin Luther and asking Noah where he could get his hands on a hammer and some gopher wood, and booming along with the angel choir, leading them in a rousing rendition of the Common Doxology. In the midst of sorrow, we have this great reassurance. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at Staab Funeral Home.
Lie-in-State: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Concordia Lutheran Church.
Funeral Service: 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Concordia Lutheran Church with Rev. James Hennig officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Lutheran High School or Concordia Lutheran Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Nitz
Terri Schroader
March 7, 2019
Remember when? We got a flatbed trailer and put it behind the old school.(old Immanuel). We had a great evening of music and song. Joyful Noise and Ralph joined right in just like he was at the muni. He was a very good guy, friend, and principal. He touched my heart.
Will V.
March 25, 2011
I was not Mr. Nitz's best or most well-behaved student, but it's impossible for me to deny that he had an impact on my life, at a time when I badly needed positive role models. He was a great man, and a great principal. His passing is a great loss for the Lutheran High community.
Gary Kamin
March 20, 2011
I remember Mr Nitz and a fun loving teacher that made classes fun. He was a great example of a God fearing man.
Wanda Hagen
March 18, 2011
"Mr Nitz" taught my Jr and Sr years at Minneapolis Lutheran High. He was a fabulous teacher that touched lives by his life example, not just his lesson plan.
Wanda (Selchow) Hagen
Minneapolis Lutheran class of 1975
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March 16, 2011
Mr. Nitz was truly a great man. I can still hear his booming voice singing the Doxology and will miss seeing him doing maintenance work around LuHi.
Trish, Heather, & Jonathan Fenton
Springfield, Illinois
Michele Waters
March 16, 2011
Mr. Nitz was a great role model for the kids at LuHi. Our Baptist family joined the Lutheran family at the high school here in Spfld and Mr. Nitz was there to make sure we were brought in full force and introduced us to other caring loving people like himself. He was a great man and will be truly missed. Family of Ryan Waters class of 2007.
March 16, 2011
I can still hear his keys rattling as he walked the halls. And I can still hear his voice over everyone's in chapel. Mr Nitz is so loved and cherished. He always found the good in you when you couldn't find it in yourself. He will be terribly missed and never forgotten
Lindsay Ponce-Rupp
March 15, 2011
I will always remember how kind Mr. Nitz was to me my senior year when I lost my mom to cancer, just months after he lost his beloved wife. I can only imagine the joyous reunion between Mr. and Mrs Nitz in heaven!
March 15, 2011
only a neighbor for a few months, but injoyed his company. he wil be missed. glenn vancil
March 15, 2011
Mr. Nitz, thank you for caring about me and my future even when I didn't. Thank you also for supporting my parents. It took me a long time to appreciate those that encouraged me, so I know this is late but thank you. Please know how your service, concern for others, and selflessness has truly effected my life.
Mike Neighbors
March 15, 2011
Simply a class teacher who loved his students. The respect students showed Mr. Nitz was only a mirror of the respect he had for all. Remember the mock Republican Convention Mr. Nitz helped orchastrate at Rosary High School? I have forgotten 90% of my high school teachers names, but Mr. Nitz is always the first that comes to mind. A 1969 LHSW - Detroit graduate.
Deanna Grant
March 15, 2011
Julie & Todd, I was so saddened to ear of your fathers death. I loved spending time with you & your parents, they were such AWESOME people. I still miss & think of your mom. I know the emptiness & hurt you are feeling right now (my parents are both gone too) & wish you did not have to go thru this, but I KNOW God will help you thru this !!! Hold on to God & the promise of being reunited one day with them. My sisters & I are praying for you both in this difficult time. Sorry again for your temporary loss.
Leslie Ann & Dana Dinora
March 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robin Barry-Hayes
March 15, 2011
Julie,
My heart melted when I received a message back from you. I did not receive it until Monday eve. I am not sure how to email you privatley, so when you respond to this, add your info so I can get a hold of you. I can't wait to hear from you again!
Mark Ely
March 15, 2011
I started at Lutheran High School in 1979. Mr. Nitz always made me feel welcome and thanks to him, I am a better person today. He was truly the best and will be missed by all.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
"Class of 83"
Kathy (Streit) Lewis
March 14, 2011
Mr. Nitz was a wonderful teacher and role model. His teaching style encouraged us to learn and love learning! He was passionate, innovative, and thought-provoking as he taught at Lutheran High School West in Detroit during the late 1960's. I count myself fortunate to have been one of his students. I am thankful to have known him and offer my sympathy to his family as they grieve. I'm certain Mr. Nitz is orchestrating a heavenly political science themed "United Nations" with other followers of Jesus! (or something equally amazing!) Kathy Lewis, LHSW '69
March 14, 2011
Wow....so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Nitz. For my years at Lutheran High West in Detroit in the late 60's, Mr. Nitz had to be my favorite teacher, one that many of us respected and looked up to. He will be sadly missed. God's blessings to his family and I hope that everyone who had the pleasure of spending any time with Mr. Nitz will know that we lost a great man and a great servant of God.
Our prayers are with you all.
Don Barnard (LHW class of 1969)
Alpena, MI
Tim Ward
March 14, 2011
One of my best times in Big River at the Muni was working along side him as he lit up the stage. He was bigger than life itself. Ralph will be greatly missed by all. May you find peace in knowing his life was filled with purpose.
March 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I remember Mr. Nitz very fondly and am so blessed to have known him. Kim Milliman-Dresch (class of '85)
Heather Brown-Halford
March 14, 2011
Mr. Nitz truly cared for his students. He was a wonderful example of the Christian life style we should all lead. Thank you for never giving up on any student and always willing to listen.
Sarah Repp
March 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ron Clark
March 14, 2011
Mr. Nitz was, without a doubt, the best teacher I ever had at Lutheran High West in Detroit. I can't think of anyone that didn't love the man - such a fine Christian and *always* so cheerful!
My sorrow over his loss is tempered by the comforting knowledge that Mr. Nitz has achieved the goal that St. Paul presses on towards in Philippians 3:14.
The class of LHW 1969 will miss him greatly.
Ed Ingram
March 14, 2011
Western Oaks Baptist church held our services for several years at Lutheran High School before we built our building in 1995. Ralph Nitz always was a supporter, helper, and encourager to us during those times - and beyond those times. That will never be forgotten. Our condolences and prayers go out to both his family and the school community who are grieving his loss this week.
Martin Kaufmann
March 14, 2011
Todd and Julie, your dad was a shining example of a servant of Jesus Christ. I will always remember him for his incredible dedication to and the positive impact he had on the ministry at Lutheran High. - class of '89
Ken Zuhlke
March 14, 2011
Ralph was a truly remarkable man. That twinkle in his eye always made me smile. He was a man of honor, wit, intellect and, most importantly, a man of God. He was always interested in what you knew or what you thought. He could relate to anyone; and could teach anything. What a great example for my kids! I loved him like a brother.
Brandon Crouch
March 14, 2011
God's Blessings Todd and Julie and your families. Your dad was a great man and impacted so many lives. He was truly a blessing to all his students.
Jamie Hundt
March 14, 2011
I can still hear his keys jingling down the hallway! He will be greatly missed! Thank you for being such a strong Christian example Mr. Nitz!
March 14, 2011
To the family of Ralph,
You don’t know me; I worked with Ralph at LuHi as a volunteer with the bookkeeping and financial reporting. As a result we got to know each other quite well on that basis over a some 15 year span and I have a profound respect for Ralph’s dedication to his Savior, LuHi, and his family. You will have many stories, I am sure, here is but one more.
One summer day I came to the school for some bookkeeping chore and there was a school office being redone from one big room into two. Some noise was emanating from the area and one figure with a carpenter’s belt was busy hanging a new wall to separate the new rooms. Ralph greeted me with a cheery hello, gave me the technical information I needed, and finished the wall. Many times he told me that he wanted to “cut the grass and keep the place maintained” when he retired. -- I will miss him.
Don Werner
March 14, 2011
Mr. Nitz will be greatly missed. He was a great role model for so many of us! - The Class of 1994
March 14, 2011
"As a family we share our joys and sorrows." Ralph Nitz blessed many through his ministry at Lutheran High School. I feel privileged to have served in ministry with him from 1995-1999. He was a mentor to many and an excellent example of the true meaning of "ministry"--service to others and the Lord. We grieve the loss on earth but rejoice knowing that Ralph is with his Lord. Monica Wagner (Indianapolis, IN)
Linda & Larry Harris
March 14, 2011
Ralph will be missed. I thank God for his long service at LHS and for the privilege of teaching under his leadership for many years. God be with you. Linda and Larry Harris
zietz marybeth
March 14, 2011
itwas a priviledge knowing ralphand my hubby enjoyred working along side another man of God Mrs. Bode Zietz
Nancy Veness Barker
March 14, 2011
Thank you Lord for sending Mr. Nitz to LHW. He was an amazing teacher and role model. I'll never forget him as the "Pro"ducer of the Old Pros at the Senior/Faculty basketball game. He was loved by all of the LHW Class of '69.
Nickie Harris
March 14, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was our neighbor before he moved over a year ago. He was an amazing neighbor and really took care of us like family. I will never forget meeting him within moments of moving in as he brought over an amazing pasta salad that he had leftover from a church event. It was not uncommon for Ralph to bring little gifts like that over for us. I loved hearing him quietly singing as he sat on the porch with his adorable dog. We were very saddened when he moved away and are now saddened that he is no longer here in flesh, but I know that his spirit is with us and continues to inspire better from all who knew him.
Karen Stallion
March 14, 2011
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jake Klug
March 13, 2011
"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation."
Dorann Castelletti
March 13, 2011
"As a family we share joys and sorrows..." The sorrow being the loss of such an amazing man. The joy though of having had the opportunity to have met Mr. Nitz and to have had him both as a principal and teacher. He was a man of many talents and had the ability to touch lives and hearts of so many. God must have had an important job for him in heaven. You will truely be missed by all.
Robin Hayes
March 13, 2011
When I heard the news of Mr. Nitz passing, I was so sad. Julie used to be one of my best friends in grade school at Concordia Lutheran. I loved spending the night over there as often as possible. Mr & Mrs Nitz treated me as family. I still remember being introduced to choc chip pancakes! Julie & Todd, I am sorry for your major losses you have had to endure. Robin (Barry) Hayes
Rex & Delores Nichelson
March 13, 2011
Todd and Julie and families, words seem inadequate to express our feelings on hearing of the death of your dad. We remember all the good times over the years with your dad and your mom and know that memories will sustain you during your week and months ahead.
Blessings from
Ray Whitney
March 13, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jamie Chaudoin
March 13, 2011
May you rest in Gods peace Mr. Nitz. You truely will be missed by all. Former Lutheran High student.
Jaime Cowhick
March 13, 2011
Mr. Nitz was just an amazing principal! I was a transfer student my sophmore year into Lutheran and from the moment Mr. Nitz met me he welcomed me with open arms. He was inspiration to his students and the love he had for Christ made him an even better prinicipal. You will be surely missed and I know for myself I thank God every single day for sending me to Lutheran High. The family is in my heart and in my prayers. Class of '96
Katie McCulley
March 13, 2011
Mr. Nitz was a great example of Christ's love. He lived his life by example. He was loving and caring and will truly be missed. As a former student of LHS Springfield and a current faculty member I will miss seeing him each morning and afternoon around the school. Thank you for touching my life.
Rebekah Imig
March 13, 2011
Praying that God will help you find peace in this time of difficulty. Sorry for your loss. Be comforted in knowing that he is with our maker. God Bless!
The Acton Family
March 13, 2011
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." You were one of God's blessings to our family. We will miss you dearly.
Matthew Stevens
March 13, 2011
Faith, love, respect and friendship were all the qualities learned from Mr Nitz. When he said "I am talking" everyone listened. He could capture the mind and heart with a smile. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Kris Theilen
March 13, 2011
Mr. Nitz, you saw potential in me and never let me be satisfied with skating by. Thank you. - Kris Theilen, Lutheran High Class of 91
Ginger Pilch
March 13, 2011
Mr. Nitz...always smiling. He taught from lesson plans, yes, but more importantly, he taught by example. His devotion to God, his sense of humor, his empathy...these were all lessons he left with his students. Truly, a good and faithful servant. Ginger Pilch, former student Lutheran High School in Detroit.
Terri Schroader
March 13, 2011
My family and I are so saddened to hear of this accident. Ralph was the best Principal I shared in teaching. He was Mr Lutheran High to all of us who started that year. He was funny, serious, elfish, and most certainly true to the Empty Tomb. Praise all he accomplish for our youth at Lutheran High. You will be missed Ralph!
Terri Schroader
Debra Goforth-Abraham
March 13, 2011
Mr. Nitz was my favorite teacher at LHW. I sent him an email to say 'hi' last year and he replied telling me wonderful things about his family and life...I'm grateful for his influence in my life. To his family, please know that you are in my prayers.
Jay Lauterbach
March 13, 2011
Ralph loved others most, as evidenced by his long history of blood donations to the CIBCC, where I shared many hours with him donating platelets. God called a wonderful man to share heaven.
Mary Schott
March 13, 2011
A favorite high school teacher at Lutheran West in Detroit, Mr. Nitz was loved by all. I signed up for classes I probably otherwise wouldn't have taken, because he was the teacher. I can still picture him playing Snoopy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". My prayers are with the family on your loss.
Debra Sobraski-Jubenville
March 13, 2011
God bless you Mr. Nitz; the Lutheran community has certainly lost a faithful servant! May the Lord comfort your family.
A former student at Lutheran High School West in Detroit.
March 13, 2011
" Well done, good and faithful servant"
Thank you,
Laputz family
Carroll & Betty Kreis
March 13, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kristen Kluth Funk
March 13, 2011
I was a student of his back in Detroit at Lutheran High School West. He was a much loved teacher. He will always have a spot in my heart. My condolences to his family and the church and school community.
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