Joseph Ryan

Biography Joseph H Ryan, born September 30th 1946, passed away in his home with his daughter and son present. He died after a valiant struggle with cancer though faster than anyone expected. Joseph, known to most as Joe or Joe Joe or Tooter, was a strong and independent man that lived life to the fullest as longetivity was not in his family history. Sharon, his wife and love of his life, left him and others much too soon but it was beautiful to see their love endure during the last years of her life. His love for her lived until the end. He built a patio with placards that symbolized this connection and where Joe would read his paper each morning. He will be remembered for his service in Vietnam as a PFC Marine. As most Vietnam era men, he was unable to talk about much of his experiences but as he got older he became proud of his service regularly wearing his Marine hat. Following in the family tradition of his wife’s side, Joe became a railroad engineer where he eventually retired in 2011 after 32 years at CN, Wisconsin Central and BN. His railroad friends were very dear to him – Dusty, Steve, Chuck and the many others that lived and breathed railroading with him over the years. Joe was known both for his generosity and gift giving which included many gifts to himself over the years. As his life was ending, Joe said “I am sorry for so much stuff that I accumulated.” His gift giving was never so apparent than Christmas time where he loved to give his children, Lorri and Jeff, and grand-children, Caitlin, Jordan and Brandon, the many gifts of their wishes. Most known for his pranks, laughter and joking, he was able to share in this laughter during his last birthday party, while feeling the impacts of cancer, he was still able to be humorous, cantankerous and loving to 60 or so family and friends. Along with his humor, Joe was famous for his many wedding and goofy pranks that were also relived and celebrated through stories at his birthday party. After his wife passed, Joe was able to strengthen his relationships with his son, daughter and grandchildren. This period of time will be remembered very fondly by all of them as a gift that Joe gave to them. He returned to Colorado after Sharon passed in keeping with their retirement plans, where he was able to spend his last years with the family and friends that he loved. As a Packer hater…he was happy to be back in Bronco land. He will be especially missed by Steve, Dusty and Patty, Janice and Dana, Art and Jamie, Michelle and Warner, and Deb and Johnny. As a duff golfer… he died ever frustrated. **** A “Farewell to Joe Ryan” will be held at his house on Saturday, October 31st from 9am-1pm. All those that were close and knew him are welcomed to join the family for food, fellowship and remembrance. A formal memorial service will occur on November 14th at 11:00am in Alliance, NE at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Please RSVP Lorri Basile at [email protected] if you plan to attend the service. Cremation entrusted to Carroll-Lewellen Funeral & Cremation Services. www.carroll-lewellen.com Service Information A service summary is not available