Eugene Austin Ritzinger

Eugene "Bud" Austin Ritzinger passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, just two days before his 95th birthday. Bud was born on July 8, 1929 in Ashland, Oregon to Eugene J and Florence E Ritzinger. He was the oldest of 3 children, and was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Gary Ritzinger and Francine Conner-Coash.

Bud worked as a heavy equipment operator for Lininger's starting in January 1947, taking a 4 year hiatus to enlist in the US Navy. In his 4 years of active duty, he was an airman machinist, reaching rank AD-3 and earned several medals, including the Korean Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return to civilian life, he went back to work at LTM, where he stayed until he retired in 1992.

Bud had a very outgoing and jovial personality, making friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, rafting, and charming homemade pies out of many of his neighbors. He was extremely familiar with the area and loved to tell anyone who would listen about all of the roads and buildings he helped construct in the Rogue Valley, including the Rogue Valley Mall. Until his age caught up with him, he remained very active in the great outdoors and was a regular at many local eateries in Shady Cove.

He is survived by 3 of his children, Steven Ritzinger, Joseph (and Donna) Ritzinger, and Kathryn (and Chusy) Haney-Jardine, 8 of his grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is joined in heaven by his former wife Betty Ritzinger, his son Robbie Ritzinger, his grandson Billy Ritzinger, and many other family and friends.

A service will be held at the Eagle Point VA Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his long and fruitful life.