“He gave his heart to loving Christ’s people, to loving the church, and to reaching the lost,” said the pastor presiding at Bob Ritsema’s celebration of life service. “Bob wanted people to know about the grace and love of Jesus Christ.” A powerful and transformational preacher, Bob had an imposing physical presence and a booming voice—someone you would not forget, even if you only met him once. He died Oct. 29, 2024, at age 80.
A graduate of Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, Bob was ordained in 1969 and served the following congregations: McBain (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church; Second Church, Allendale, Mich.; Bradenton (Fla.) CRC; First CRC, South Holland, Ill.; South Grandville CRC, Grandville, Mich.; and Northern Heights CRC, Kalamazoo, Mich. He then served for six years at Anchor House Seafarers Center in Port Manatee, Fla., a ministry that reaches out to port workers and international seafarers. He retired in 2009.
Bob enjoyed playing golf, softball, and basketball, and helping family and friends with building or remodeling projects.
Bob is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 59 years; three children and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.