Warren Raymond Ritz

Princeton - Warren R. Ritz, affectionately called Joe, peacefully passed away at OSF St. Clare surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 25, 1935, to the late Edward and Luella (Eisel) Ritz. Warren graduated from St. Canice High School in the Class of 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Janet Marenholtz, in Pittsburgh on August 6, 1955. They celebrated 68 years together. Joe dedicated his career to Production Planning in the steel industry, starting with J & L Steel in Pittsburgh, PA, and later transferring to the J & L Steel Hennepin branch in 1968, which became LTV Steel. Known for his remarkable dedication, Joe never missed a single day of work throughout his entire career, retiring after 42 years of dedicated service. In addition to his professional achievements, Joe was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Lions Club and member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, also served as a longterm usher. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (a.k.a. The Iron Curtain and the Terrible Towel) and Pittsburgh Pirates. Joe had a passion for travel and exploring new places, which began with family camping trips and evolved into memorable train journeys with Jan. Together, they enjoyed numerous overseas adventures in Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, England, and Austria. His time with Jan and their children was always filled with laughter and love. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his unwavering dedication, love for his family, and zest for life's adventures. Survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Janet Ritz of Princeton, IL.; six children, Susan Edwards of Aurora, IL, Greg (Mary) Ritz of Noblesville, IN, Kathy Hyland of Noblesville, IN, Karen (John) Szillat of Carmel, IN, Tracy (Jim) Logan of Columbus, OH and Andrew (Stephanie) Ritz of Sammamish, WA; grandchildren, Nicole Ritz of Westfield, IN, Cameron Ritz of Fisher, IN, Nathan Ritz of Noblesville, IN, Stephanie (Frazier) Thomas of Dechert, TN, Nicholas Hyland of Westerville, OH, Michaele Szillat of Washington, DC, Jeremy (Janelle) Logan of Navarre, FL, Zoe Ritz, Daphne Ritz, Emma James, Sophia James, all of Sammamish, WA; great grandchildren, Jameson Logan, Jax Logan, of Navarre, FL, Logan Thomas of Dechert, TN. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Luella Ritz, two brothers Clifford and Edward Ritz. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, IL. A visitation will be Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Friday July 19, 2024 at 10:00 am with a mass at St. Louis Church officiated by Monsignor. Graveside services to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. Pallbearers: John Szillat, Jim Logan, Nathan Ritz and Andrew Ritz. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments

Warren Raymond Ritz

October 25, 1935 - July 11, 2024