RITZERT, Alexander Jay 1995-2018

RITZERT

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 6/10/2020 at 22:50:58

October 24, 1995-May 23, 2018

NORTHWOOD, Iowa - Alexander J. Ritzert, 22, of Ames, formerly of Mason City and Northwood, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave S., Northwood, IA 50459.

A Funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, 309 9th Street N, Northwood, IA 50459 with Reverend Judy Converse officiating.

Alexander Jay Ritzert was born on October 24, 1995, in Mason City, Iowa, to Tim Ritzert and Michelle (Ritzert) Zeglen. He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City. Alex spent most of his childhood in Mason City, attending the Mason City schools until his Sophomore year in which he chose to finish off his high school career at Northwood-Kensett High School graduating in 2014. Growing up, Alex was active in many sports...baseball, football and his absolute favorite...hockey.

He would always smile and his eyes would light up when talking about the good ‘ol days of hockey. The memories he took from that time and the lifelong friendships of his hockey brothers never dimmed even years later. He even played in the “old man league” after high school for a brief time, just to feel the joy of still lacing up his skates once more. He was never happier then with friends, his Uncle, or Grandpa….fishing pole in his hand and stories flowing. Following his graduation, Alex found work at Best Buy and it just furthered his love for electronics of all kinds. One of his passions in life was video games. In his spare time Alex could be found sitting at his computer playing games or watching videos about the games he played. He was always striving to do better and learn new strategies. He often shared his gameplays by streaming online.

In 2015 Alex chose to join the Army and left for basic training in October. His service was quickly interrupted when in December of 2015 Alex was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Following his diagnosis and a medical discharge, Alex moved back home.

Alex was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan even as he and Morgan lived in Ames while she was attending ISU. Alex and Morgan Amundson knew each other for many years, but in May of 2016 they began to share life together. Through good and bad, Morgan and Alex were side by side, inseparable. They recently extended their little family to include a rambunctious American Bulldog mix, named Lucy, and he was instantly smitten.

Throughout his life he spent many summers traveling the United States with his Grandparents and on numerous family vacations. He loved seeing new places, trying new foods and finding new music to listen to for the soundtrack of his endeavors. Alex was a simple soul… all he ever wanted was Morgan by his side, the comfort of friendships and the unwavering love of his family. We were blessed to have every minute of his short life with him and he will never be forgotten.

Left to cherish Alex's memory are his parents, Tim (girlfriend, Gemma Cernetic of Orlando, FL) Ritzert of Kensett, and Michelle (Russel) Zeglen of Mason City; his siblings, Benjaman Ritzert of Mason City, and Kayla, Hailie and Grace Zeglen of Orlando, FL; Alex's girlfriend, Morgan Amundson of Mason City (and Lucy); maternal grandmother, Linda Waters of Northwood; paternal grandparents, Jane and Leland Ritzert of Kensett; aunts, Christina (Phillip) Rice of Marshfield, WI, and Kristine (Aaron) Woltzen of Kensett; uncle, Michael (girlfriend, Desiree Castillo) Waters of Mason City, as well as numerous cousins, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dave Waters.

Conner Colonial Chapel. 1008 1st Ave S, Northwood, IA 50459. (641) 324-1543. ColonialChapels.com

SOURCE: Mason City Globe Gazette, 27 MAY 2018