Welcome to the memorial page for
Dr. Frederick Field Ritsch, Jr.
November 25, 1935 ~ May 4, 2016 (age 80) 80 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by Lise Ritsch Sundrla
on January 5, 2019 11:10 PM
A candle was lit by Lise Ritsch Sundrla
on March 12, 2018 12:32 AM
A candle was lit by Lise Ritsch Sundrla
on January 5, 2018 11:41 PM
Message from Nancy Nix Jones
July 11, 2017 9:31 PM
I have just learned of Dr. Ritsch's passing. Always meant to reconnect as he was "the professor of my life." I will never forget the inspiration he offered through his history and humanities courses at Converse College.
Several students convinced him to teach a course in women's studies when it was considered a bit radical in a very small women's college in a very small southern town. In my senior year, 1977, Dr. Ritsch helped me arrive at a fascinating subject for my senior history thesis that allowed me to pull together my appreciation of philosophy, history, art and music.
As a privileged and spoiled young girl from Atlanta pursuing college in a small college town, I started out at as a music major and gave up easily changing to history. The courses I took under Dr. Ritsch triggered a strong intellectual curiosity and my worldview and perspective on the humanities was opened wide. I will never forget his enthusiasm for ideas and history. I still go back to my notes and reading for my favorite course: Main themes in 20th century intellectual history.
I so regret that I did not get in touch with Dr. Ritsch. I had several conversations with Melinda Maxfield about doing so. Somehow, I feel that expressing it here can be a feeble attempt to reach out to him and to his family and friends.
I can still remember like yesterday, Dr. Ritsch with his pipe and his elbow patched jacket walking back and forth in front of the classroom or sitting at the small table of 7 students in the cabin talking about Kafka or Descartes or Hume etc, etc. .....lofty theories connected with "by and large" etc etc.
Well, he was an amazing influence on so many students. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to take many courses with the ultimate professor.
Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.
Nancy Nix Jones
ncnix@aol.com
Several students convinced him to teach a course in women's studies when it was considered a bit radical in a very small women's college in a very small southern town. In my senior year, 1977, Dr. Ritsch helped me arrive at a fascinating subject for my senior history thesis that allowed me to pull together my appreciation of philosophy, history, art and music.
As a privileged and spoiled young girl from Atlanta pursuing college in a small college town, I started out at as a music major and gave up easily changing to history. The courses I took under Dr. Ritsch triggered a strong intellectual curiosity and my worldview and perspective on the humanities was opened wide. I will never forget his enthusiasm for ideas and history. I still go back to my notes and reading for my favorite course: Main themes in 20th century intellectual history.
I so regret that I did not get in touch with Dr. Ritsch. I had several conversations with Melinda Maxfield about doing so. Somehow, I feel that expressing it here can be a feeble attempt to reach out to him and to his family and friends.
I can still remember like yesterday, Dr. Ritsch with his pipe and his elbow patched jacket walking back and forth in front of the classroom or sitting at the small table of 7 students in the cabin talking about Kafka or Descartes or Hume etc, etc. .....lofty theories connected with "by and large" etc etc.
Well, he was an amazing influence on so many students. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to take many courses with the ultimate professor.
Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.
Nancy Nix Jones
ncnix@aol.com
Message from Lise Ritsch Sundrla
May 12, 2016 7:47 PM
I am so fortunate to have had Rick Ritsch as my father, friend, confidant, and mentor. Thank you all for your kind words and memories. They mean so much and will help to carry forward dad's legacy.
Lise Ritsch Sundrla
Lise Ritsch Sundrla
Message from Alanna Ivey Wildman
May 7, 2016 8:56 PM
Dear Lise Sundria,
I have such fond memories of your father's European History classes at Converse College. I was a history major (1967-1971) and was in awe of his intellect and his dedication to teaching. His photograph here was exactly the way he held his hand and pipe as he sat behind his desk. I just lost my 91 year old father and it is an adjustment. I will keep you in my prayers.
I remember guiding you towards historic preservation work in your early career. I have just closed my appraisal business after 35 years. The history/art history combination was invaluable to my career and will always remain my interest. I owe a great debt to your father for setting me on my career and lifelong learning paths.
Sincerely,
Alanna Ivey Wildman
I have such fond memories of your father's European History classes at Converse College. I was a history major (1967-1971) and was in awe of his intellect and his dedication to teaching. His photograph here was exactly the way he held his hand and pipe as he sat behind his desk. I just lost my 91 year old father and it is an adjustment. I will keep you in my prayers.
I remember guiding you towards historic preservation work in your early career. I have just closed my appraisal business after 35 years. The history/art history combination was invaluable to my career and will always remain my interest. I owe a great debt to your father for setting me on my career and lifelong learning paths.
Sincerely,
Alanna Ivey Wildman
Message from Dick Reed 56th
May 6, 2016 10:19 PM
Debbie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We've not been in touch for a long time, but I think of you in the warmest way. You were one of the highlights in my teaching career.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dick Reed
So sorry to hear of your loss. We've not been in touch for a long time, but I think of you in the warmest way. You were one of the highlights in my teaching career.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dick Reed
Message from Nora
May 6, 2016 9:43 PM
He had a great smile and a wonderful sense of humor.
A candle was lit by The Marshalls ~ Todd, Karin, Morgan, and Erin.
on May 6, 2016 1:07 PM
Message from Matt McGough
May 5, 2016 3:33 PM
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Ritsch for two classes at Elizabethtown College in the mid 1990's. We crossed paths again in 2006 when my wife and I began attending Donegal Presbyterian Church. When I saw Dr. Ritsch, I introduced my wife and I and told him that I had taken a few courses of his at Etown. He chuckled, immediately apologized and told me "I hope I didn't put you to sleep." I always enjoyed seeing Dr. Ritsch at church and chatting with him. My condolences to his family.
A candle was lit by Missy Johnston.
on May 5, 2016 3:21 PM
A candle was lit by Annie Ritsch
on May 5, 2016 1:19 AM
Message from Dr. Bill Curtis and family
May 4, 2016 10:42 PM
Our sympathy on the passing of such an accomplished scholar. Fritz, he must be very proud of you and what you are accomplishing.
A candle was lit by The Delph Family
on May 4, 2016 7:53 PM
© 2024 Finkenbinder Family Funeral Homes. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility