Byron Adolph Ritsche

Byron Ritsche was born on March 1, 1944 at St. Mary’s hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN to Adolph and Effie (Jensen) Ritsche. He attended Lincoln School, Holy Rosary and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1962. He joined the United States Marine Corp and worked in top secret communications spending time over seas in Okinawa. He was discharged in 1966 and attended the State School of Science graduating in 1969. He was then hired by Bell Laboratories (research and development for AT&T), which was in Naperville, Il. and had a plant in Warrenville, Il. where he worked. Byron spent time in circuit design, physical design and finally in customer support. He supported 100,000-line toll offices and 50,000-line local offices in both local and foreign markets. During his design work he became a subject matter expert (SME) in large power systems. Byron spent time in Korea, Taiwan, and China over his 31 years with AT&T and lucent Technologies. He retired in May of 2000. Byron also was a certified ski instructor teaching nights and weekends locally for 25 years in Illinois. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Early and was later divorced, to this marriage came one son Michael Ritsche. Byron is a member of the American Legion and Eagles. He was also a member of the professional Ski Instructors of America and fully certified to teach cross country and down hill skiing. He was also partnered with his sister operating Madsen Grove Resort until her death in 2007. Byron sold the property in March of 2015, retiring a second time and spent his remaining days living in the Detroit Lakes area on Little Floyd Lake. Byron enjoyed snow and water skiing, fishing, hunting both deer and fowl of all breeds. Byron is survived by his son Michael (Kelley) Ritsche, grandchildren Jessica and Kyle Ritsche of Sugar Grove, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Effie Ritsche and sister Marguerite. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make a donation to the American Legion post 15 Detroit Lakes, MN in Honor of Byron. Memorial Folder Click here for Livestream -> https://youtu.be/Na7eStTIAHg