Phil Ryan

Thursday, May 21, 2015 6:30 pm

Phil Ryan, 75, of Ridgeway, died at his home Tuesday, May 19, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Interment follows at St. Agnes Cemetery, rural Decorah. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco, and at the church for an hour prior to services. There is a parish scripture service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home Friday. Following graveside services a meal will be served at the Heritage Events Center.

Lifelong Winneshiek County resident Philip Gerald Ryan was born Nov. 22, 1939, in Winneshiek County, to Joseph Gerald and Minnie Justina (Broghammer) Ryan. Following graduation from Ridgeway High School Phil joined the Air Force and was able to travel all over the world. Following the Air Force Phil married Mary Ellen Kramer June 7, 1961, in Clarion. When they were first married Phil had a milk route and in 1963 they moved to the farm that he operated as a dairy and grain farm until retiring and remained living on until his death. That farm is now operated by his family. Phil thoroughly loved farming and the animals, especially his cows, goats, sheep and cats. He also enjoyed watching CNN, participating in political discussions, working crossword puzzles, and was a football and basketball fan. Phil loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Phil is survived by his wife, Ellen of Ridgeway; four children: Randy (Molly) Ryan of Clive, Shelly Ryan of Phoenix, Ariz., Holly Ryan of Phoenix, Ariz. and Jason (Sara) Ryan of Cresco; six grandchildren: Dan, Ben, Peter, Joe, Erin and Nora; five siblings: Anna Myers of Ridgeway, Tom (Elsie) Ryan of Cresco, Joan McGavik of Couer d’Alene, Idaho, Gerry Sorenson of Decorah and Dean (Marcie) Ryan of Cresco; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Paul Ryan and Rob Ryan; and a sister, Mary Henry.