Donald E. Ritzhaupt

Donald E. Ritzhaupt, 67, of Bucyrus, died unexpectedly Monday, April 20, 2015 in Heath, Ohio, where he was working. His death was of natural causes and not job related.

Don was born in Galion April 29, 1947 to the late Guy F. and Persis E. (Kocher) Ritzhaupt. He was a 1965 Col. Crawford High School graduate and served in the US Army as a medic while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Don began working at Ohio Power as a meter reader but spent a majority of his work career maintaining, building and improving substations as a project coordinator. He retired in 2001, only to immediately begin sub-contracting his expertise to a company affiliated with AEP.  Don was known for his meticulous electrical wiring jobs and enjoyed rewiring many homes for friends and family through the years and, earlier in life, he did his fair share of farming.

Don loved his sons and grandchildren and he conveyed this love to his sons through sports. Whether throwing a baseball or football or shooting baskets, the boys and their father created a solid foundation of life lessons with many quality talks while just having fun together. Don’s grandchildren never thought grandpa could be upset as he only showed soft love and support for them and saw to it that he made every event he possibly could.

Don was a very big fan and loyal supporter of boys and girls sports at Col. Crawford High School. Actually, sports in general is what Don enjoyed, especially any professional Cleveland team. Earlier in life he was an avid bowler and looked forward to traveling around the country with various bowling leagues. “Dufus” as he was jokingly referred to by some of his closest friends, enjoyed the many golf trips south. Santee in April 2007 being a more memorable one with him having his first hole in one! When traveling for work or pleasure, Don always sought out a casino to gamble as this was a favorite hobby. There were many memorable hands of blackjack dealt and most recently three and four card poker became his favorites. When not working, traveling or watching sports, Don was most likely eating at Taylor’s in Galion. This might have been the only restaurant he knew existed.

Don is survived by his two greatest accomplishments, his sons, Stephen Ritzhaupt and wife, Michelle and Sean Ritzhaupt and wife Kendra; five grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel, Brock, Reagan and Rylee; three sisters, Barbara Yontz, Jean (Jimmy) Obi and Nancy (Jerry) Milligan  as well as several nieces and nephews who proudly referred to him as “Big D.” Don was preceded in death by two nephews.

Friends may call from 12 Noon-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, with Pastor Mike Corwin officiating.

 

Contributions can be given to the Col. Crawford Athletic Boosters through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy can be left in the Memorial Guestbook below.



Visitation:

Saturday, April 25, 2015 12 Noon-2 and 5-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Sunday, April 26, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

No burial