Robert Alan Ritzheimer

Robert (Bob) Alan Ritzheimer, 79, of San Jose, CA died on Monday, July 18, 2011 while being lovingly cared for at Kaiser, Santa Clara. With God's intervention, he bravely battled congestive heart failure, amazing his doctors for many years.

Bob was born on December 29, 1931 in Trenton, Illinois to Leslie and Hilda Ritzheimer. His sisters are Marian Davis of Florida and Rita (and Bob) King of Indiana.

He was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated with a bachelor of education degree from Illinois State University where he met and fell in love with his future wife, Shirley. He taught school and held his master's degree in school administration and was principal in the same school district in which he grew up. He loved his work as a teacher, principal and textbook representative. He loved to teach Elementary and Jr. High kids and even taught swimming to hundreds of kids of Trenton, Il. From that position he was called to be a sales representative of Scott Foresman, a textbook firm, in all of western Pennsylvania. Later he was promoted to be in charge of all sales and liason to the State board of Education in California where he lived since 1982. He was named in Who's Who in American Education "for outstanding achievement in his field of endeavor, adding significantly to the betterment of contemporary society.

Bob's Military Service Record: Served in the U.S, Army Artillery as Survey Instrument Specialist during the Korean Conflict, Beginning 1953 - was honorably discharged with the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal in 1955. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Reserves in 1961 with rank of Coporal.

Bob loved God, family, friends, California and The Villages.

Bob enjoyed golf, bocce, hunting, fishing, travel, carpentry, classical music and cooking.

Bob served the Lord as assistant pastor and leader of Bible home groups for 30 years. He was a faithful leader who diplomatically brought peace to troubled situations.

He was president of several organizations including the Chapel Board, German Club, Bocce Club and the Ironmen.

He leaves his devoted wife, Shirley of over 56 years, his beloved children: Kim Chase of Jamaica, Gina (and Gary) Hartle of California, Scott (and Julie) Ritzheimer of Pennsylvania, Susan (and Michael) Kelly of Pennsylvania, his 24 precious grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, great-grandchildren, his sisters, nieces and nephews.

Bob was buried on July 25, 2011 at San Joaquin National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Rd, Santa Nella, CA 95322.

Tributes: Floral, Villages Chapel, VMA and Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child.