Michael Joseph Ryan Obituary

Michael Joseph Ryan attended Redwood Valley High School in Redwood Falls, MN. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Michael Joseph Ryan.

Graduation Year	Class of 1969
Date of Passing	Mar 26, 2009
About	Ryan, Michael Joseph August 23, 1951 -- March 26, 2009 age 57, passed away after a brief illness on Thurs., March 26 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Michael went peacefully in his sleep, with his family at his side. A kind and humble man who lived his life with quiet courage, Michael was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He was a gentle soul who gave much and asked for little. He also had a dry wit and the unique ability to find humor in stressful situations. Born in Redwood Falls, MN Michael graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1969. He attended Mankato State and Southwest State before completing a degree in Optical Technology at Anoka Hennepin Technical College. After working in Minneapolis, he settled in Mankato. Michael was an active member of Mankato's Second Step Clubhouse, an organization that helps adults who struggle with serious and persistent mental illness to improve or maintain their quality of life. He was an avid fisherman who loved to catch walleyes from Lake Kandiyohi in Southwestern Minnesota. A sports fan, Michael enthusiastically rooted for his home teams, the Twins and the Vikings. He also enjoyed poetry, electronics and spending time with his clubhouse friends and family. The son of the late Alice (Toody) Ryan and F.A. (Mike) Ryan, formerly of Redwood Falls, MN., Michael is survived by his father (St. Paul, MN); brother, Pat and wife Michelle (Grand Forks, ND) and children Erin Moore and husband James (Minneapolis), Meagan Myers and husband Jamie (Minot, ND), Colin (Minot, ND); sisters, Catherine and Mary Ellen (St. Paul, MN); brother, Tim and wife Sue (Athens, OH) and children Emma and Neil; brother, Tom (Minneapolis) and children, Phillip, Morgan and Sam. Services Thursday, April 2, 2009, St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, 2357 Bayless Place, St. Paul, MN. Visitation @ 2 p.m.; funeral Mass at 3 p.m. Memorials in Michael's name to: Second Step Clubhouse, c/o Mike Hildebrandt, 121 E. Main Street, Mankato, MN 56001. Published in Star Tribune on 4/1/2009 print