"Dear Janet, Michelle, Renee & Steve, My Deepest Sympathies. I met Paul thru Al Sorum. Al & I drove trucks, Paul expertly painted a few of our trucks. \"Talk about attention to detail\"! Man if I didn\'t have that masking tape perfect, he\'d show me the correct way! Showroom shine when truck was completely painted! A few times the job was interrupted when Friends like Soppa or Swenson stopped by. Beer break, crank the tunes, we\'ll finish this tomorrow! You will be dearly missed. Play Your Drums In Heaven! Deb \"Sorum\" Lueth"
In loving memory of
Paul Ryan
February 3, 1950 - November 15, 2021
Paul R. Ryan, 71, of rural Peterson, MN died on Monday, November 15, 2021 at his home with his family at his side.
Paul Richard Ryan was born on February 3, 1950 in La Crosse, WI to Ben and Hildegard (Dragvold) Ryan. He was raised on the family farm near Choice, MN and was a graduate of Rushford High School where he played football and basketball. Paul's passions were farming, music, and cars.
Paul's love for music led him to play the drums in several bands over the years. He was a legend in his own mind, and you could still find "Rockin Ryan" keeping the beat and showing off his skills.
Paul started farming for himself in 1977. He planted crops and raised cattle. He purchased his first semi in 1979 and built his fleet to 3 semis and many trailers. He loved being on the road and took some long hauls to the west coast. Paul was farming and running his trucking business until the time of his death.
He married Janet Nystrom in 1978 in Superior, WI. They took many traveling adventures together including 32 National Parks. Paul and Janet enjoyed camping trips all over the U.S. and made memories with great friends.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; three children Steve (Lynn) Ryan of Peterson, MN, Michelle Ryan of Roseville, MN, and Renee (Trey) Ritter of Rushford, MN; four grandchildren: Cody, Larissa, Ben and Roman; three siblings: Mary (Dee) Pendergast of Lake Crystal, MN, Martha (Alan) Listiak of Minneapolis, MN, and John (Marcia) Ryan of Lakeville, MN. Paul was preceded in death by his parents.
Paul was a lifetime member and prefers memorials directed to Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. There will be a memorial service for Paul at 1:00 p.m on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, MN with Reverend Luther Mathsen officiating. A time of visiting and fellowship will be held from 12:00 until the time of service at the church.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Paul?s family has our heartfelt sympathy. So many good memories from our fun times together at South Padre Island. Paul R. And Paul P. enjoyed their weekly phone calls about farming. We know that Paul is in Rock and Roll heaven with all of the many great musicians that have gone on before him. We will really miss him. Paul and Jane Preston"
"To Paul Ryan Family; Paul grew up with the rest of his Class Mates at Rushford Public. Paul played Basket Ball and Football with some class Mates. He was in the Ag. Program. Our Senior year Paul was a Judging Contest at State Level. Grant Isberg, Donny Bunke and Verdale Kinneberg received there State FFA Farmer Degree, Paul and I, went to Calif. in 1970 for a few Months to get away from the cold and snow. Paul and I, went to University of Minn. Waseca. Sorry to here of Pauls passing . He will be missed. From Verdale Kinneberg"
"To the family: So sorry for Paul\'s passing. A few memories here: Trips to Harmony roller rink many times - always busy. A carload of 5-6 of us going into a Lanesboro high school dance. A few Lanesboro kids didn\'t like Rushford kids there and made it known quickly. One of them wanted to start a fight with Rushford\'s blonde kid (me). Paul took care of that problem in short order. Finally - loading turkeys up at the Ryan farm - catching, debeaking, loading hundreds in truck, and driver telling a few of us to hop on top of truck for ride back into Rushford. Yes - on TOP with fresh air all the way back. Thankfully the driver watched out for us on top and kept his speed low. RIP Paul!"
" In the years I knew Paul I don?t recall ever a harsh word and a smile seemed to be his faces default expression. Fifty plus years and the memories are still vivid. RIP Paul! RHS 68 Steve Roelofs"
"Sending Prayers & Hugs to Paul Ryan\'s family. Going through RHS with Paul he\'d always have a kind word. Rest in Peace Paul!"
"Craig & Vickie Hanson: Sorry about you\'re loss he was a great man kind caring alot fun to be around he will be deeply missed"
"Paul was my class mate and he will be missed. I will always remember him as that handsome boy with beautiful black hair and a great smile. My heart and prayers go out to his family at this this sad time."
"Janet and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bring comfort to you."