Michael Amos Ritz, 74, of Bullhead City, AZ, passed away due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis on 6/10/26. 

Born in Butte, MT, Mike led a life filled with laughter and joy. He spent his youth attending Boys Central, volunteering as an altar boy at St Mary's Church and general rabble-rouser in Finn Town, where he earned the nickname Feisty. After graduation, Mike was drafted into the US Army and spent most of his 3-year deployment in Stuttgart, Germany, serving with the 554th Military Police Company and making many life-long friends. 

Upon his return to the US, Mike quickly put his newly-acquired skills to use, graduating from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and moving to Havre, MT as a patrolman with the Havre Police Department, where he served for 20 years, eventually rising to the rank of Captain.

He met Debbie Davis during a visit back to Butte and pursued her relentlessly until she agreed to marriage in 1978. Mike and Deb lived in Havre for 40 years, raising their two sons Joe and Jared, and making countless friends who they remain close to years later. They spent nearly every winter weekend at the Bear Paw Ski Bowl, both as volunteer ski patrollers and cooks, where Mike earned the rare distinction of a burger named after him (the Iron Mike).

Mike’s summers were filled with camping, coaching little league baseball for his boys, family vacations, and many years as a Havre Rotarian. He could also be found playing league golf every Tuesday night.

After retirement from the H.P.D., he started a second career with the US Border Patrol Havre Sector, again serving 20 years and making many friends, often being the first to welcome new agents arriving from Texas, and elsewhere, into his home.

Upon his second retirement, Debbie quickly followed suit and they became snowbirds. Starting in 2018 they spent their summers in Butte, where they renewed friendships with old friends, and winters in Bullhead City, AZ, the place where the golf never ends. Here again, Mike found a way to smile with nearly everyone he met.

He was a sweet, sensitive, funny, and generous soul, and a bright light that will be missed dearly.

Mike is survived by Debbie, his wife of 48 years, his son Joe Ritz, his son Jared Ritz and his wife Kathy, and one very precious granddaughter, Anya, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Bessie Ritz, sister Aleda Rogers, brother Joe Ritz, and nephew Michael Rogers.

Celebrations of life will be held in Havre and Butte in July.