Larry Ritzo, like a fine diamond, had many facets. He was an aviator, an inquisitive student of several fields, an Air Force Officer, and a journalist with a style of his own. He loved his home town and all the people that lived there. As one cousin put it: Larry was an uncomplicated guy who had learned to follow the path put before him. At the same time, he enjoyed taking the road less traveled when the opportunity presented itself. Deep down, an adventurous spirit dwelled within him. Larry Ritzo, was born March 14th, 1952 in Drayton, ND. He attended Drayton High School and UND pursuing several scientific fields. Larry was an Air force Officer serving in various overseas areas attaining the rank of "Captain". In more recent years, his main love was publishing the Drayton "News and View" Weekly Newspaper. Larry died at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks North Dakota on August 21, 2014 at the age of 62. Larry was proceeded in death by his father, Joesph Ritzo. Survivors include his mother Carole (Grafton, ND) and a brother Lonny Ritzo (Drayton, ND). He is also survived by special aunts, uncles, several close cousins, and special friends. Funeral services will be at the Drayton Lutheran Church on August 26th at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Drayton Cemetery. Military honors accorded by the North Dakota National Guard and the Drayton American Legion. Rev. Leroy Aufenkamp, presiding; Marlys Nelson, organist and Barb Visness, soloist. Honorary casket bearers will be Jerry Jorde, Ken Gardner, Larry Weinberg, Richard Johnson, Bob Steenerson and Dick Bieganski. Casket bearers will be Bruce Bonde, Brad Norgart, Pat Znajda, Bill Jorde, Rob Boll and Kelly Dokken.