Gene F. Rittmueller

Frankenmuth, MI

Gene Franklin Rittmueller, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother entered his eternal home after a yearlong battle with illness on Monday, March 24, 2025; age 70. Gene was born August 21, 1954 in Saginaw, Michigan to Franklin and Ruth (Schluckebier) Rittmueller. He was married to his childhood sweetheart Michelle (Walker) on March 8, 1975 and enjoyed 41 years with her. As they raised their family together, they found happiness in the simple moments at home or on the water, from family wiffle ball games in the backyard to skiing and fishing on the lake in summer. As they grew older, their union was a testament to the enduring power of love, as he provided care for Michelle and continued to do the things they loved with her, even as she became wheelchair bound. That included tailgating at the University of Michigan football games with family and friends and picking up all their grandchildren to sing oldies on the way to dinner. Gene was blessed to find love again when he married Judy (Miller) Rittmueller on June 2, 2023. The two found joy in anything, as long as it was together, from concerts with friends, to time up north at their Houghton Lake home, or more recently, to a drive with their dogs Tilly and Coco.

Besides his wife, Gene is survived by his adoring family, including his children, Christopher Rittmueller, Frankenmuth, MI, Heather (Mark) Vance, Grand Blanc, MI and Matthew (Ehrin) Rittmueller, Frankenmuth, MI; grandchildren, Madison (Wyatt), Christopher, Olivia, Avery, Emmaline, Wyatt, Penelope, Elliott and Samuel; step children Craig (Sabrina ) Alsobrooks and Alissa Robinson and grandchildren Adison, Elijah, Grace, Anthony, and Santana; his three sisters Adele (Frank) Weiss, Karen (Michael) Edgington, and Diane (Tom) Rittmueller-Barnes; In laws Michael and Jacquelyn Walker; brother-in-law Michael (Katherine) Walker and sister-in-law Kathryn (Todd) Welch; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Ruth Rittmueller and his wife Michelle.

Gene started his 60-year work career as an eleven-year-old driving his self-built go kart to work at Leslie Hardware, where he learned engine repair and all the tricks of the trade from Hick. After attending Northwestern College in Traverse City, he returned to Frankenmuth to start his career as an electrician for Jerome Electric, followed by ten years at Carlings Brewery. Gene worked as Electrical Superintendent until the plant closed in 1990 and was then hired at Tri City Controls. In 1997 Gene purchased Tri City Controls and worked as owner side by side with his boys for nearly the next thirty years. He was not just a Master Electrician, but Gene was one of the few people who could see each side of a problem, from the engineering, to the electrical, to the mechanical and would then bring all the trades together to determine the right solution. His advice and counsel will be sorely missed.

One of Gene's great passions was the Frankenmuth Fire Department where he volunteered for over ten years before becoming Frankenmuth Fire Chief from 1987-1997. During that time he helped to acquire multiple fire trucks and state of the art equipment, including the department's first aerial fire truck. He also developed a long-term plan that would ensure stability and readiness for the future.

In addition to his work on the fire department, Gene possessed a true servant's heart in all aspects of his life. He radiated generosity, a tender heart, and thoughtfulness, and found his greatest joy in time with those he loved. He always found ways to give, from participating in the yearly 4H auction (sharing his generosity with friends and family), to traveling out of state to help someone find the perfect home or car and then making sure it was inspected and good to go. He was also capable of fixing, building, or tinkering on anything and thus was the first to volunteer to help to wire a house, to build the playground for his grandchildren, or to do anything he knew needed to be done. If he thought something would delight those he loved, he was on a mission to make it happen, including his most recent Christmas 2024 light extravaganza. Gene loved to work with his hands, continuing to pursue that passion throughout his life as he rebuilt a mustang, built the "coolest" Halloween or transportation parade costumes with his grandchildren, or set up the new fishing mounts on the boat to go trolling with his family. In addition to his love for hands-on projects, Gene was a life-long Michigan and NASCAR fan, traveling for in-person events whenever he had the opportunity. Any task or event before him, he approached with enthusiasm.

Gene's calm disposition and ability to remain even tempered earned him the title of baby whisperer for children and wise counsel for his family, friends, and colleagues. He was the glue that bound his family and he always found a way to bring them together, including pretzel parties, Sunday dinners, large group reunions, or simple drive by visits. His family is thankful that after a lifetime of caring for others, he is now in the loving arms of his Savior.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial in the St. Lorenz Cemetery. Gene's family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the Frankenmuth Fire Department to honor the many years of Gene's service.