John R. Ryan, age 93 of Arkansaw, died Friday, April 1, 2022 at River Pines in Altoona with his family by his side.

John “Jack” was born on July 27, 1928 in Hammond, rural St. Croix County. He was the son of John I. and Matilda (Martin) Ryan. John grew up in the River Falls and Menomonie area, graduating from Menomonie High School. After working in Alaska, John joined the U.S. Army in January of 1951 and was stationed in Germany before being Honorably Discharged in December of 1952. John married Julia Batchelder 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. While farming, John worked at Presto Industries.

John had the foresight to know that he had one important decision in his life, and he fulfilled that by marrying Julia. Having five sisters that were educators, education was a high priority of John’s life, and he insisted that all of his children received the best possible education.  John valued the time he spent farming, with family and especially his beloved wife.

John is survived by his children, Nancy M. (John) Gehrke of Sterling, IL, John C. (Audrey “Susie”) of Maiden Rock, Mary L. (Steve) Congdon of Woodruff, Jerold F. “Jerry” (Rob) of Chicago, IL and Connie J. (Terry) Klatt of Eau Claire, 15 grandchildren, four step grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren, two brothers-in-law; Marlyn “Ike” Hovind, and Lowell Mattila, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Julia; two sons, Steven M. (Carolyn) and Joseph M.; great grandson, Ian Nguyen; two brothers, Robert and Henry and five sisters, Mary Gilbert, Loretta Borck, Josephine McLain, Dorothy Danzinger and Agnes Fox.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for the exceptional care and friendship River Pines and St Croix Hospice gave John.

Memorial Mass will be 11:30AM Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Durand. Military Honors and Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with a prayer service at 6:45PM and visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

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

Condolences

1. Phil Hanson April 10, 2022, at 1:06am

   John and Julia were always the warmest engaging dairy clients I worked for, as so many have been over the years. Time permitting, after delivering a calf or treating a milk fever cow, there was an invitation to the kitchen table for homemade cookies and a cup of coffee. Some times Mary and I would stop by with the kids for a visit on the big hill in the Fall. The incredible view of Chippewa River valley looking toward Durand always inspiring, sharing family news and histories. John Jr and Susie have followed in Jack and Julia’s lives with the same love of life and family. God Bless all of the Ryan families, great memories for us all!
   Dr. Phil Hanson

2. Denny & Kay Longsdorf April 9, 2022, at 11:21am

   Sorry to hear of your father's passing, thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay and Denny

3. Robin Thill April 7, 2022, at 2:24pm

   Connie and family,
   Sorry about the loss of your loved one. It is always hard to lose some who you love. Most the time memories help to ease the loss and it puts a smile on your face.
   You and your family are in my prayers.
   Robin

4. Mary Rosenau April 7, 2022, at 12:49pm

   Connie - I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I hope the good memories you have of him will help comfort you in the days ahead. Keeping you in my prayers and sending love and hugs your way.

   Mary Rosenau

5. Gregh & Linda Springer April 4, 2022, at 2:55pm

   So saddened to hear “Uncle Jack” has passed away. He was a wonderful man, filled with intelligence, wit and a gracious friendly spirit. These same qualities followed him throughout the whole Ryan Family, and likewise in his amazing wife, “Aunt Julia”. We pray earnestly for God’s Spirit to bring peace and comfort to the whole family in the midst of losing your precious father. He will surely be with Julia again! We hope these scriptures bring comfort to everyone in the Ryan Family: John 14: 1-6, 1st Thess. 4: 13-18. All our love to the Ryan Family, as we hold you close in our hearts and prayers….Gregory & Linda Springer

6. April 4, 2022, at 2:53pm

   So saddened to hear “Uncle Jack” has passed away. He was a wonderful man, filled with intelligence, wit and a gracious friendly spirit. These same qualities followed him throughout the whole Ryan Family, and likewise in his amazing wife, “Aunt Julia”. We pray earnestly for God’s Spirit to bring peace and comfort to the whole family in the midst of losing your precious father. He will surely be with Julia again! We hope these scriptures bring comfort to everyone in the Ryan Family: John 14: 1-6, 1st Thess. 4: 13-18. All our love to the Ryan Family, as we hold you close in our hearts and prayers….Gregory & Linda Springer

7. Kathy Hutter-Messier April 4, 2022, at 2:24pm

   sympathy to the Ryan family

8. Bob &Judy Bartel April 4, 2022, at 1:18pm

   Our prayers go out to the family and especially Nancy and John.

9. Vicci Hutter Rosenberg April 4, 2022, at 10:47am

   S sorry to hear about John’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. His bless

10. Kathy Lieffring April 2, 2022, at 9:29pm

    My sympathy to the Ryan family on their loss. John was a great neighbor & friend to have & will be missed.

11. thomas biles April 2, 2022, at 5:37pm

    Sorry to here about JOHN. Prayers

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