Donald L. Ryan
Wednesday, August 1, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Age:
85 years old
Wednesday, August 1, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Age:
85 years old
Wednesday, August 1, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Age:
85 years old
Donald L. Ryan
Donald L. Ryan, 85, of Rochester, MN died peacefully in his home on Saturday, January 11th, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Don was born on August 1, 1934 in Rochester, MN the fifth child of John and Esther Ryan.
He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953 and married Judith M. Kocer on November 23, 1957 at St. Francis Catholic Church.
He worked at the Rochester Post Bulletin Newspaper as a photographer. After serving in the Army in Germany for two years, he worked briefly at Whiting’s Press before starting his own printing company, Custom Printing, in 1962. He joined IBM in 1966 where he was Director and Cinemaphotographer. Don received his BA from Winona State University in 1983. In 1986, he retired from IBM after 24 years and became an award-winning realtor until retiring at 75 years old.
He spent his free time woodworking and woodcarving and building heirloom furniture for his family with wood from walnut trees he planted in his childhood backyard. He was known for his wine making. He cultivated a vineyard in his backyard and used his own grapes. He and his grandson won first place at the Olmsted County Fair for his wild raspberry wine. He served as an advisor to the Rochester Remedial Reading Center, a school for the dyslexic, and was involved in the Boys and Girls Club. He also mentored new realtors, including his daughter. He only saw the best in others and enjoyed helping them and sharing his hobbies. He always said his greatest accomplishment was his children.
Don is survived by his wife, Judith Ryan; his children, Lori Mickelson Schueller (Gary), Don Ryan (Penni), Nick Ryan (Jill); his grandchildren, Justin Ryan (Amy), Josh Mickelson (Mindy), Melissa Murphy (Matt), Brandon Ryan; and his great-grandchildren, Theodore and Matilda Murphy, Everett Ryan, Leo Mickelson; and sister, Marjorie Ryan.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Ryan; his parents; brothers, Jaque, Paul, and David Ryan; and sisters, Bonnie Lawler and Arlene Haggerty.
The Funeral Mass for Don will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at St. Pius Catholic Church with Rev. Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Seasons Hospice of Rochester or St. Pius school fund.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Donald L. Ryan has received the following condolences.
Condolences and prayers to all the family. Don was a wonderful man with a kind soul.
Dan & family
Dear Judy, we just learned of Don’s passing. Unfortunately we are in Mexico so we will not be able to attend the funeral. We have thought of you often these last few months wishing we had gotten together one last time. We always enjoyed spending time with the two of you. You are such a great couple with such a great love story. Our prayers are with you and your family. I’m sure Don is smiling down from above with that million dollar smile!
We had the privilege of meeting Don and his lovely wife, Judy, at Josh and Mindy's wedding. We made an instant friendship, feeling a kinship and camaraderie.
We especially loved drinking his tasty homemade wine and had a lot of fun at the wedding. It has been a privilege to spend wonderful times together these
past few years and enjoyed them acquainting us with Rochester and it's history and dinners at the Canadian Honker. We admired Don greatly. We enjoyed
his company, his delightful personality and witty conversation. We will miss him very much. We send all our love, prayers and support to his beautiful wife and
wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Hi Judy, I am down in Mexico and just learned of Don‘s death. So sorry for your loss And sorry that we lost touch over the last decade. We had many good times together over the years. Don Was such a gentleman and such a talented person
Lori and Ryan Family - I am so so sorry for your loss. My memories of Mr. Ryan were from our high school days in Rochester - Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were always so affectionate and spunky ! It was always a treat visiting Lori at her house in Elton Hills. So much love and I know Mr. Ryan passed on that love and real estate talent to Lori to carry on his legacy.
Sending Lori and the Ryan Family my love and prayers.
Josh,Mindy, Matt & Missy, So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort, prayers, sympathy, peace & wonderful memories during this challenging time. Love, your old neighbor, Lori
I To Judy and the entire Ryan family, Phyllis and I sent our deepest sympathy. I have known Don for some 70 plus years as a high school classmate and long time friend, Don was always a positive person and well liked. Rest in peace old buddy.
Don was not only one of my God Parents(Judy the other), but he was the kindest, most gentle man I’ve ever known.
He has one of the greatest love stories ever told. If he only knew how often it was shared❤️
Many blessings to the entire family...a great man is with God now.
Dear Judy and family--I"m a cousin of Judy's in the Silhasek family (her Aunt Helen). I remember Don from our Kocer family gatherings at the Till farm and at Hilltop, where my folks lived. I knew him as a pleasant, friendly man, but was impressed to read about his several careers and interesting retirement hobbies. He certainly lived an interesting life! If any of you would like to connect with the larger family, I've established a Kocer Extended Family Facebook page. Send me your friend request, I"ll accept, and put you on the page. We'd love to see more photos of your branch of the family. All our best!
Judy and Family, Our deepest sympathy. Terry and Darlene (Birkel ) Linderholm