On the morning of December 18, 2013, Robert “Mr. Bob” Verne Ryan died peacefully at Touchmark after a prolonged decline in health. He was in the loving presence of his daughter-in-law Tammy and staff from Touchmark and St. Peter’s Hospice. He was 85 years old.
Bob was born in Grand Forks North Dakota on May 29, 1928, the third child of Ole and Galina Ryan. He spent his formative years in Lacrosse Wisconsin. At 17, he enlisted in the Army and went to Fort Bragg North Carolina where he trained as a paratrooper. A hole in his eardrum prevented him from being a pilot for the military. He was there for two years and did not go overseas at that time.
Returning to Minnesota, he attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis where he earned a bachelor’s degree in math and science. He also met his wife of 61 years, Juanita Petersen. They were married on June 29, 1952 in Milroy Minnesota. That same year, he was drafted and went to Korea as a sergeant. He was discharged in 1954.
Bob had a very active life (he always had a project going!) and lived in Minnesota for many years. His younger years were spent racing motorcycles and cars. His first love was flying. He finally realized his dream of getting his pilot’s license in his 30’s. He owned and flew many airplanes including his Thorpe T-18 which he built himself and flew for many years.
In 1992 Bob and Juanita moved to Montana. “Hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, attending grandchildren’s school and sporting events and enjoying the beautiful landscape,” have filled their retirement years. Bob was also an accomplished carpenter and built several of their homes. All of his kids have thankfully inherited many of those talents. Bob and Juanita have also been very active members of Trailhead Christian Fellowship near Townsend. They moved to Touchmark in early 2013.
Bob is survived by his wife Juanita, son Peter, (Tammy), and his beloved granddaughters Lita and Darcy. He is also survived by daughters Kari and Jenifer and their respective spouses Peter Miele and David Moberg. Other surviving family includes his younger sister Caroline and her spouse Erwin Mickelberg, their daughters and grandchildren, sister-in-law Judith and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Galina Ryan and older brother Gerald.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 4, 2014 at Trailhead Christian Fellowship, 20 Trailhead Drive, Townsend, Montana with a reception to follow at the church. All memorials will go to support Trailhead’s Sunday school.
Bob has been cremated and a burial with military honors will occur at Fort Harrison on a later date. The family would like to express their eternal gratitude to the wonderful staff of Touchmark and St. Peter’s Hospice. It was apparent that Bob was loved and given the very best care. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob please visit below.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 4, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship
20 Trailhead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the service
Saturday January 4, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship
20 Traihead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Gleichs says
Peter, Tammy, Lita & Darcy
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, grandpa. We just loved Bob, he was a wonderful neighbor to us for many years. May your memories comfort you.
Jamie, Tori, Lauren & Katie
Francie, Jerry says
we wouid like to offer our condolence for your loss.
Jerry, Francie Campey