Michael Ryan

WAUNAKEE-Michael Robert Ryan, age 73, Waunakee, passed away at his home September 25, 2017, with family at his side after a short yet courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born August 18, 1944, to Edgar and Alice (Christel) Ryan in Manitowoc. Mike grew up in Valders and graduated with the class of 1962. After high school, Mike enlisted in "Uncle Sam's Army" serving from November, 1962 until his honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant in March, 1969. In the Army, Mike worked at the Pentagon then served with the White House Communications Agency under Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon traveling to El Salvador and Germany.

After returning to Valders working construction for Spancrete, he was elected as the Business Agent of the Laborers' Local 1086 in Manitowoc. He then moved to Madison leading Wisconsin Laborers District Council as President and Business Manager retiring in 2007. Mike was dedicated to the Laborers Union fighting hard for members to have decent wages and benefits. He was instrumental in building the Wisconsin Laborers Apprenticeship and Training Center in DeForest.

Mike loved his family. He was proud of his three sons and six grandchildren. He enjoyed family vacations in the northwoods on Lac Courte Oreilles. He loved traveling throughout the United States, Caribbean Islands, and especially Maui. Mike enjoyed golfing, solving Sudoku puzzles, was a master of cribbage and a teller of many jokes. Mike was also known for the meticulous care and pride he took in the care of his yard. He was a member of the Laborer's Local 464 in Madison and was also a member of American Legion Post #0481.

Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julie (Samz) Ryan, who he married August 28, 1982, in Mishicot. He is also survived by his sons, Timothy (Kim) of Manitowoc, Paul (Heather) of Raymond, and Michael (Margaret LaBorde) of Madison. His grandchildren, Cassidy, Camryn, Cole, Christian, Emily, and Oscar were the apple of his eye. He is also survived by brothers, Jerry, and Dennis (Kitty) of Manitowoc; his sister, Karen (Lenny) Miller of Fond du Lac; father and mother-in-law, Bernie and Shirley Samz of Mishicot; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Sandy Haese ,Bob (Karen) Samz, Rick (Ellie) Meyer, Bernie (Debbie) Samz, and Dan Samz ( Verla Franz); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Alice Ryan, a brother-in-law, Tom Haese, and a sister-in-law, Joanne Ryan.

The Ryan family wants to acknowledge the doctors with SSM Cancer Center, Dr. Rory Makielski, Dr. Alissa Weber, Dr. Amit Sanyal and Dr. Tyler Zenner (family medicine) and staff who cared for Mike at St Mary's Hospital. Many thanks to Agrace Hospice "blue team" for the kindness and compassion they have given to Mike and his family especially Joanna, Melanie, Lisa, Sondra, Kristen, Holly, Traci, Remi, and Amy. Thank you to Father Pat Norris, St Mary's Hospital Chaplain, for his inspirational words of prayer and healing and exchange of Irish jokes. Mike will be sadly missed by the many family and friends he touched over the years.

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Full Military Honors will follow the service

A special note from Mike to his family: To my children and grandchildren, Be not sorrowful that I am gone and my earthly life is done. Be not sad I passed away. For in you, my children, I live each day. There is a little of me in all of you. In each new one, I live anew. So you see, I'll never be really gone, as long as there are children to carry on. I have had my share of love, sorrow, and strife. I have lived a full and fruitful life. So do not mourn and do not weep. For I have earned this peaceful sleep. - author unknown.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee