Michael Coleman Ritschel

Mike Ritschel, 77, of Colorado Springs passed away on Wednesday November 15, 2017. He was born on May 27, 1940 to Denise and Jerome Ritschel in Peoria, Illinois. He is survived by his wife Marcia Junis of Peoria. Mike and Marcia married on June 5, 1965. He is also survived by his three sons: Patrick (Tammie) of Greenville, DE, Brian of Newport Beach, CA, and Dan (Tamiko) of Dayton, OH; one brother, Tom (Deb) of St. Petersburg, FL; one sister, Trish (Rich) of Abilene, TX; seven grandchildren: Andrew, Joshua, Angelina, Katie, Samantha, Michael, Jonathan, and two great-grandchildren: Alexander and Scarlett. Mike graduated from Spalding High School and the University of Notre Dame.

Mike was an enthusiastic alumni of Notre Dame; always watching the football team.

Mike’s early career was spent working with his father and brother at Ritschel’s Inc., an asphalt paving company in Peoria, IL. He later switched careers to personal finance, working as an investment advisor and stockbroker for A.G Edwards and Wells Fargo. Mike retired to Colorado Springs in 2012.

Mike loved music, and spent much time singing- singing for weddings and funerals; at Glee Club of Norte Dame; directing the church choir at St. Monica’s in East Peoria; and with the Colorado Springs Chorale.

He was also an avid tennis fan and player.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 20th 5:00pm-7:00pm at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 21st at 11:00am at St. Francis of Assisi, 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance in Downingtown, PA.