Ryan Smith

McFarland - October 20, 2024 — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Ryan Francis Smith, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, who passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 51.

He was born on October 18, 1972, in Green Bay, to the late Andrew “Pat” Smith Jr and the late Evelyn (Britt) Smith. Ryan is survived by his wife Amber Meyer Smith and his son Finnegan Smith, his siblings Sandy Smith; Mike (Alice) Smith; Brian (Sue) Smith; Kevin (Denise) Smith; Sean Smith; Diane Smith (Jon Gilson) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Andrew Patrick Smith III. He was further survived by in-laws Thomas and Elaine Meyer, Pamela and Brian Tuyls, Lucas Meyer (Amber) and Haley Fredericks.

Ryan graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1990 and attended UW-Madison. He soon found a home for his interest in politics by working at the State Capitol. He began as a Senate Page, where he met his wife of 20 years, and worked his way up to Chief of Staff to State Senator Rob Cowles (R-Allouez). He loved policy and politics throughout his entire career – going on to serve as a government relations representative for the Wisconsin Paper Council, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Veyo, and finally as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Soybean Association.

Ryan cherished time with his son Finn. The two enjoyed a love of sports, especially football. Ryan coached Finn’s soccer team and passed his love for the Packers down to his son in a way only a Green Bay native can. They were out honing their Frisbee golf skills during good weather and their video game or chess skills during bad weather. He beamed with pride during every football game, forensics speech, robotics tournament, cello concert and track and field meet. Ryan was a smart and patient homework partner for Finn and was so proud of the man his son is becoming.

He also loved his big Irish Smith family. From Packer games with Mike, to time up north with Kevin, to long phone conversations with Sandy and Diane, and political conversations with Brian, Ryan always knew his siblings had his back. Ryan and Finn especially loved their annual trips out west with brother Sean and nephew Jake where they could have “broventures.”

Ryan amazed people with his “trivial” mind. He would dominate trivia contests, and even appeared on the first season of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” He was especially interested in history, devouring historical fiction and biographies alike. He was a grill master and loved grunge music, arguing that there were no good bands after 1993.

He took great pleasure in debating politics with anyone and everyone. Whether you wanted to or not. You couldn’t get very far in a conversation with Ryan without him turning the topic into a political debate. His political hero/idol was Ronald Reagan. Even though he was staunchly conservative, he enjoyed a reputation of being fair-minded, even marrying a Democrat to ensure he always had someone to debate with.

He enjoyed traveling. The last few months Ryan visited 16 counties in Europe before finally settling in his beloved Ireland where his life ended.

In remembrance of Ryan, we celebrate his life and the unique passion he brought to the world. We honor his memory by encouraging compassion and understanding towards those struggling with mental health and alcohol addiction.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5801 Hwy 51, McFarland, WI 53558. Friends and family are invited to join at 1pm with a service beginning at 3pm to pay tribute to a man who will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, a fund is being established for Finn. Donations can be made at  https://account.venmo.com/u/Amber-Meyer-Smith,  or sent to Summit Credit Union, 5809 Monona Dr, Monona WI 53716 c/o Finnegan Smith.

We hope you’ve found peace, Ryan. Your spirit will forever be in our hearts.

 Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com