Dale Roger Ritsema

Dale Roger Ritsema, age 79, of Gowen, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, under the care of Faith Hospice and Medilodge of Wyoming. Born July 28, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Cornelius and Geneva Ritsema. Dale was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and proudly served his country from 1967 to 1969 with standby service from 1969-1973. An avid fisherman, Dale had his own boat and a collection of specialized fishing poles. Over the years, he enjoyed many fishing trips with family and friends, including several trips with his son David and special fishing trips to Canada. Dale is survived by his children, Heidi (Scott) Beard and David (Candie) Ritsema; grandchildren, Mitchell (Rebecca) Gregory, Clayton Beard, and Lauren Ritsema; and siblings, Bonnie (Richard) Bode, Sharon (Jack) Toering, Dennis (Kathie) Ritsema, Kathy (Tim) Nesbit, Darlene (Jim) Smith, and Ron Hutchens. Dale was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Ritsema. Funeral Mass will be 10 AM Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville, celebrated by Fr. Andrew Ayers. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Monday, October 26, 2026 at St. Charles Catholic Church and from 9 AM till the Mass on Tuesday. A luncheon will follow at the church, then Dale will be laid to rest 2 PM at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery in Grand Rapids, with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s name to Medilodge of Wyoming. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.