Obituary for Ilmars Ritins

Ilmars Ritins, age 85, loving husband, Dad, Grandad, “Ga-Ga” and a wonderful person to know and meet, passed away suddenly but peacefully on December 7, 2022. On his final day he was surrounded by his wife and children who he adored more than anything in this world. Family always came first before he took care of himself. He had a great ability to make others smile and feel welcomed with his sense of humor and loving nature.

Ilmars was born in Liepaja, Latvia to Alma and Nicolas Ritins. His family moved to the United States when he was 12. Ilmars graduated from Olney High School, joined the Army and was a proud veteran of the of the Screaming Eagles, 101 Airborne Division, B Troop 2nd Squadron, 17th Calvary. He attended Pierce Business School and Drexel University. Ilmars was Vice President at CDI Corporation and retired from Modern Engineering. In his pastime, he devoted his time to his family, church, volunteering and cheering his children in competitive swimming while they were growing up, traveling, reading, playing chess and spending time at his home on Eliza Lake in Michigan.

Ilmars is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Ann Ritins and sister, Ligita Ritins Stubis. Amazing Dad to Jeffrey Ilmars Ritins, Jennifer Ziegler (James), and Jane Coleman-Porter (Bruce). Also lovingly survived by his six grandchildren, Jimmy, Jake, Jessica, John, Brooke and Emily. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Alma Ritins.

A special heartfelt thank you to Avalon of Lewis Center and Ruth Wandle, his caretaker. We are indebted for all you have done and we will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Stroke Association or Alzheimer’s Association in Memory of Ilmars Ritins.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in Westerville, Ohio on January 14th, 2023. More details to follow.