Benjamin Ritsema

Benjamin H. Ritsema, age 80, of Paw Paw, MI passed away Tuesday morning, February 14, 2017 at his home. Ben was born May 19, 1936 in Muskegon, MI the son of the late Herman and Catherine (Sikkenga) Ritsema. Ben was employed at Eaton's Mfg. in Lawton for 10 years and then was self-employed as an excavator. Ben was a member of the Paw Paw Fire Department and enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing and going to the casino. On September 9, 1956 in Paw Paw Ben was united in marriage to Mildren M. Compton loving wife and companion for over 60 years who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Joe (Michelle) Ritsema, Rusty (Christine Sillars) Ritsema and John (Crystal) Ritsema all of Paw Paw; grandchildren, Kristen, Dustin, Andrew, Cara, Ashley, Joseph. and Jennifer; several great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by seven siblings Alice Blacksten, Henry Ritsema, Esther Shaw, Russell Ortquist, Ellen Drake, Frances Barcal and Margaret Harris. Family will receive friends, Thursday (Feb 16) 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where services will be held Friday 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Wildey Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriner's Hospital for Children.