Julia B. Ryan, age 81 of Arkansaw, died Wednesday, April 09, 2014 at the Oakview Care Center in Durand, with her family by her side.

Julia was born on June 22, 1932 in the Tainter Township, rural Dunn County. She was the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Harshman) Batchelder. Julia grew up in the Wheeler area and graduated from Colfax High School in 1950. After high school, Julia worked at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in Menomonie for several years. Julia married John R. Ryan on October 29, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie. They first farmed in Knapp, Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Trout Creek, Wisconsin, and then settling in Arkansaw, Wisconsin in 1960 where they operated a dairy farm for forty years. She was employed at the 4-H Extension Office in Durand, Wisconsin in the 1960’s, a 4-H Leader for many years, active in her children’s education, the family farm business, and a member of St. Mary’s Church, Durand, Wisconsin. Julia was a kind-hearted, gracious person with time for anyone, even though her workload was constant. Julia mastered the art of baking and shared this with generations of her family and friends. Julia valued the education of the mind and spirit and will be remembered for her soft-spoken determination.

Julia is survived by her husband of 58 years; John R., six children; Steven M. (Carolyn) of Radisson, Nancy M. (John) Gerhke of Sterling, IL, John C. (Audrey “Susie”) of Maiden Rock, Mary L. (Steve) Congdon of Woodruff, Jerold F. “Jerry” (Rob) of Fox Point and Connie J. (Terry) Klatt of Altoona, 15 grandchildren, four step grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one step great granddaughter, one sister; Cora (Lowell) Mattila of Rogers, MN, one brother-in-law; Marlyn “Ike” of Houston, TX, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, one son; Joseph M., five sisters; Gladys O’Brien, Florence Erickson, Beverly Springer, Cynthia Hovind and Vivian Tilseth and several half-brothers and sisters.

Memorial Services will be 11:30 AM Monday, April 14, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Raj Arockiam will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials are preferred in Julia’s name to the Pepin County 4-H program and St. Mary’s Catholic School.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Dr Phil Hanson April 16, 2014, at 4:37pm

   To John Sr and all of the Ryan Family,

   I am so saddened to hear of Julia's passing. She was a wonderful wife, mother, the best milker, and grandma. Providing veterinary service for John and Julia at their farm on the hill for many years was always interesting and enjoyable because of the warm interest they had in people and the animals they cared for. They treated me as if they were my parents away from home, often inviting me in after a tough calving or other veterinary event to have some of Julia's great homemade brownies or cookies with cold milk or hot coffee. With fun simultaneous conversations from John and Julia about many things, their family history, interest in my family, it was easy to tell how they loved life, family, people, and animals. It's obvious how they transferred that same love to their children and grandchildren that I have been fortunate to get to know over the past 30 years.

   The world has lost a wonderful woman and Heaven has gained one beautiful spirit.

   My heart breaks that I wasn't able to attend her services.

   Sincerely,

   Dr. Phil

2. Adele, Barry, Kayla and Hannah White April 14, 2014, at 8:25am

   Sue, John and family, So sorry to hear about Julia passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at these trying times. God Bless you all. Adele, Barry, Kayla and hannah White

3. Ike Hovind April 13, 2014, at 12:36pm

   Jack my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I noticed the word "determination" in the obituary.
   That word has been used to describe Julia's sisters as well, it must be in their DNA. She so reminded me of her Mother, who I never heard say a harsh word about anyone. Bless you'll.

4. Ernestine April 11, 2014, at 9:46am

   To the family I offer my deepest sympathy and sincere condolence. May the fond memories that you shared bring comfort to your hearts. Let the promises made by our Heavenly Father soothe you as you gain the strength and inner peace to cope with the days aheads. He promises that those in the memorial tombs will be resurrected. (John 5:28,29) Death, sorrow, pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4) We will live forever here on earth in abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11,29)

5. Ernestine April 11, 2014, at 9:45am

   To the family I offer my deepest sympathy and sincere condolence. May the fond memories that you shared bring comfort to your hearts. Let the promises made by our Heavenly Father soothe you as you gain the strength and inner peace to cope with the days aheads. He promises that those in the memorial tombs will be resurrected. (John 5:28,29) Death, sorrow, pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4) We will live forever here on earth in abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11,29)

6. Michael & Ruth Ryan and family April 11, 2014, at 9:36am

   We are sending our thoughts, love and prayers to Uncle Jack and all our cousins on the death of Aunt Julie. Though we aren't able to make the trip to be with you, know we are there in heart and spirit. Love, Mike, Ruth, Dawn, Brady, David, Allie Ryan

7. Jim and Alice O'Brien April 10, 2014, at 6:16pm

   We want to extend our sincere sympathy to Julia's entire family. We wish that we were closer so that we could be there to share your sorrow with you. She was a lovely person inside and out with a very kind and caring nature. We are sure that she will be missed by many.

   Love, Jim, Alice, Paul and Craig

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