Allen Michael Ryder

Allen Michael “Al” or “Mike” Ryder, 76, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, after a long illness.

Al was born December 3, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan the son of Allen Clyde and Elizabeth Katherine Reittenbach. He grew up in Saginaw and was a 1967 graduate of Arthur Hill High School.

Al had an inherent entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating several business in the local area including but not limited to: a Stefano’s Pizzeria chain, he was a Service Master Cleaning franchisee, and he held contracts as “Ryder Cleaning,”

Upon “retirement” years he settled into residential/commercial construction until officially retiring as a Bronson Battle Creek Health courier where he proudly served during the pandemic.

He served as both a coach that led teams to undefeated seasons and president of the Lakeview Optimist Football Leaue.

Allen Michael Ryder married Betty Jane Klement on March 10, 1988, in Saginaw, MI. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty on December 6, 2024. Surviving are a blended family of 6 children, (Al) Nicole (Terry) Ryder-Stephens, Lisa (Richard) Ryder-Robinson, Nick (Shantel) Ryder, Jill (Craig Wightman) Ryder; goddaughter Chris (Mark) Klein (Betty) Shawn McCray, Tammy Howard; 18 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Ingrid) Ryder of Leesburg, FL; two sisters, Ellen (Ron) Petre of Saginaw, Carol Laroux of Tulsa, OK; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Al & Betty.

Al loved athletics from childhood all the way to the Senior Olympics. From boards games to field games there was nothing he could be beaten at. He was an avid Detroit Tiger fan! His favorite pastimes were watching his grandchildren on their own fields, family cookouts, passing his love and enthusiasm for sports on to his children and grandchildren.

Al was larger than life in personality, voice and humor. He will be remembered for his root for the underdog, his brute physical strength, patience in teaching, the fact Hollywood was always knocking at his door, the lifelong burden he carried of how pretty his face was and that his beauty was both a “blessing and a curse.”