Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Thomas B. Ritzenthaler Sr., 83, residing in Sandusky, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 10, 2020 at Ohio Veteran's Home following a lengthy illness.
Thomas was born on May 21, 1936 in Sandusky, OH to the late George and Delores (Callan) Ritzenthaler.
Thomas had been employed at Union Chain and New Departure Hyatt before retiring from Ford Motor Company after many years of service. He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War, where he received a Purple Heart. Thomas was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Huron Township Conservation Club, a board member of Old Women's Creek, a former president of the Men's Club at the Senior Center, a hunter education instructor and a CCW instructor. Thomas was an inventor, holding a few patents for the Uni-Band. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, dancing at the Legion, lottery scratch off tickets, and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, who called him "Opa."
Thomas is survived by his three sons, Jim Ritzenthaler of Fremont, Joe (Deb) Ritzenthaler and Thomas (Lina) Ritzenthaler Jr. both of Sandusky; six grandchildren, Kelly, Jason, Bianca, Ana, Rayce and Carlee; five great-grandchildren, Erin, Hayle, Alexis, Zoey and Rowdy; brothers, Don (Elle) Ritzenthaler of Huron and George (Mary Ellen) Ritzenthaler of Sandusky; nieces, nephews, and numerous loving and caring friends.
In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa (Sladek) Ritzenthaler in 2014; three children in infancy and sister, Lois Rippon.
Friends may call on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky. Funeral services will be held on in the funeral home on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:00 am. Chaplain David Detwiler will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in the Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery, Sandusky.
Those wishing to contribute to Thomas' memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Erie MetroParks, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron, OH 44839.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
