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William Peter Ritzheimer
07/13/1937 - 01/28/2011
BORN
07/13/1937
DIED
01/28/2011
William Ritzheimer Obituary
RITZHEIMER,
William Peter
"Pete" (Age 73)
William Peter "PETE" Ritzheimer passed away at his home in Bayview Friday, January 28, 2011. He was born in Coeur d'Alene to Fred and Elinore (Halvorsen) Ritzheimer July 13, 1937. Through his school years Pete was noted for his participation in all sports, especially baseball. As an adult, he spent a number of years playing Fast Pitch and Modified Fast Pitch, as a catcher for local teams. At an extremely early age his father taught him the love of hunting and fishing which he continued as long as his health allowed.
Pete served two years as a cook in the U. S. Army, while stationed in Korea. Pete had a variety of jobs over the years but was most noted for working at Coca-Cola, LaVoie Distributing and finally the Washington-Idaho Laborer's Union. Pete's greatest joy was his family. He loved the stories of his great-grandfather arriving at Fort Coeur d'Alene, with the Army, and how the family settled in Coeur d'Alene.
He is survived by his wife Marsha, at the home; his sons Fred Ritzheimer (Tammy) of Hayden and Peter Paul Ritzheimer (Renee) of Post Falls; daughter, Kimberly Ritzheimer of Aurora, Colorado; three stepsons: Ladd Serwat (Rita), David Serwat (Angie) of Rathdrum and Allen Serwat (Cari) of Ketchikan, Alaska. Pete has eleven grand-children: Amber (Ritzheimer) Billingsley of Athol, Samantha (Ritzheimer) Williams (Brandon) of Post Falls, Katy Ritzheimer of Cheney, Washington, Kayla (Serwat) Eide (Tim) of Ketchikan, Richard Serwat of Anchorage, Alaska, Ladd Serwat (Carley) and Lindsey Ritzheimer of Coeur d'Alene, Lacey Serwat, Michael Serwat; two step-grandsons Jesse Coe and Stephen Coe, all of Rathdrum; his two great-granddaughters are Madilyn Billingsley of Bayview, Brooklyn Williams of Post Falls; and his sister, Carol Ritzheimer of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Ritzheimer in 1986.
There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kootenai Humane Society, 11600 North Ramsey Road, Hayden Idaho, 83835. Please visit Pete's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. YATES FUNERAL HOME, COEUR D'ALENE, ID.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ritzheimer
5 Entries
February 9, 2011
The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Wm. P. "PETE" Ritzheimer for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Linda Anne House, Founding Member
Doug Huffman
February 4, 2011
As a young kid growing up, Pete was my hero! I knew intuitively that he was a caring guy, despite the gruff demeanor he tried to put forth.
He lived life to the fullest, certainly knew how to have fun, and his sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him.
Salt of the earth!
Jack McCallum
February 3, 2011
I lost track of pete many years ago but my memories are rich and clear as if they were yesterday. Basketball games in the park, dances at the Eagles and downtown at the rec hall and at school. Rest in peace Pete.
Herbie Serwat
February 3, 2011
Pete was a good step-father. He had a heart for taking care of the elders and gave me that same heart. He will always be in my prayers.
Debbie Griffiths
February 3, 2011
So many memories of fishing and Mickey and Pete hunting with George down on the Joe. The three of them are at it again. No need to worry or cry, although it's so hard not to. Mickey and George were there to meet Pete when he arrived. And I'm sure they have a lot of great places to show him. And I'll bet they've got a really great boat rigged out just the way they want. And Kruger will probably want to drive. Pete will be missed and I am sorry for you that he had to go, but he's in very good company.
Debbie Griffiths
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