Gary Ritsema

Gary, a Denver native, was born on September 4, 1925, one of Mary and William Ritsema’s five

children. After graduating from South High in Denver, he served in the 10th Mountain Division in

Italy during World War II, earning a Bronze Star for bravery and a Purple Heart. Gary studied at

Calvin University (Grand Rapids, MI) and the University of Colorado Boulder, and received his

D.D.S degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City. He and his wife, Alene Mulder, had 65

years together before Alene passed away in 2013.

He is survived by his son Fredric (Kathy) and daughter, Peggy (Henry) Tazelaar. Gary was beloved

by his grandchildren, Emily (Matthew) Duntsch, David (ErinStacy) Ritsema, Kate (Brian) Roelofs,

Andrew (Christina) Tazelaar and Jeff Tazelaar as well as his ten great-grandchildren, and

will be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his

siblings Betty Swierenga, Sadie Keesen, Fred Ritsema and Bertie Reynolds.

Gary was a much-loved dentist in South Denver for 37 years, practicing out of the Colorado

Clinic, and left many disappointed patients when he retired. Gary and Alene were founding

members of Third Christian Reformed Church (now Hope Fellowship CRC). He was also a

founding board member of the Luke Society which provides medical and dental care to

underserved communities around the world, and also served on the original board of University

Hills Christian Nursing Home (now Christian Living Communities, including Clermont Park where

he spent his last 10 years).

He was devoted to his family and loved attending the sporting and musical events of his

grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds with his longtime golfing

buddies. He and Alene also relished the time they spent at the cabin in Grand Lake, making

s’mores with the grandkids, riding snowmobiles, or taking boat rides on Shadow Mountain or

Lake Granby. In Gary’s mind there wasn’t a day that couldn’t be improved by a round of golf or

a Hershey bar.

Service details: February 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Fellowship Christian Reformed Church,

2400 S. Ash Street, Denver CO 80222.

In lieu of flowers: please consider donations to the Resident Assistance Fund at Chrisian Living

Communities, Clermont Park, 2479 S. Clermont St., Denver CO 80222