Henry Michael Ritsema

Henry Michael Ritsema, age 57 of Kalamazoo, died on February 9, 2025. He was born on June 29, 1967, in Kalamazoo, the son of Lester and Betty (Whaley) Ritsema. Henry was named after his Grandpa Henry, as he was born on his birthday. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester Ritsema & Betty Whaley, his twin daughters Lexis & Leiha, and his sister Beth Ritsema.

Henry is survived by his daughter Kristian (Tim) Bean (mother, Tammy Greene) and his son Austin Ritsema (mother, Amy Ritsema); his beloved grandchildren Rylan & Reagan Bean; his stepmother, Chris Ritsema; his siblings and their children: Ron (Becky) Ritsema and children: Terri, Troy & Thomas; Shirley Webber and children: Cristle & Michael; Phyllis Ritsema and children: Christy (Zak) Bean, Mason, Mia & Mya, Amy Schuiteboer & Mckenna; Bettie (Rich Maze) Ritsema and children: Jeff Hoag, Justin (Lindsey) Hoag, Jace, Kyler & Ariella; James (Kristina) Ritsema and children: Lana & Alex; Richard Ritsema and children: Brandon & Ciera; his stepsisters & brother: Lori (John) Siebel, Karen (Bob) Louis and Lyle Wesenberg; his significant other of 18 years, Trina Jecks and her children: Travis, Jacob & Jasmine Jecks; two teacup yorkies, Kiko & Baby; many aunts, uncles & cousins, and a very special Uncle Bob & Aunt Barb who Henry truly enjoyed spending time with. 

Henry loved sports and was a dedicated U of M fan “Go Blue”, along with the Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR as a “Kyle Busch” fan, spending time with his Canadian friends, camping with his family, and floating down the river. Henry loved to travel, and camping was a favorite. Spending time with his family was very important to him; fishing with his son, spending time with his daughter, and playing with his grandchildren. 

Henry loved music, golfing, having fun on his boat, and riding around on the golf cart. He loved the holidays, dressing up for Halloween parties, family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and bringing in each New Year with Trina and his fur-babies. 

Henry and Trina spent the past 18 years together creating beautiful memories with friends and family, traveling, and camping. Henry loved to see Michigan’s many lighthouses while enjoying the fall colors. 

Henry was a larger-than-life man who touched many lives in his 57 years, with his kindness, friendship, and love. 

Friends may visit with his family on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Location, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow immediately. The interment ceremony will be held at South Portage Cemetery after lunch. Donations in memory of Henry can be made to West Michigan Cancer Center at www.wmcc.org.

Please share memories of Henry with his family at www.langelands.com.