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Ryan Simonson-DePratu Obituary

FAIRFIELD - Ryan Robert Simonson-DePratu, 26, of Fairfield, a derrick hand on the oil rigs, died from injuries he received in an industrial auto accident Thursday while working in Rock Springs, Wyo.
His funeral is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Northwest Family Fellowship. Burial will take place at a later date, and his ashes will be spread by his buddies at his favorite secret hunting spot. Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his parents, Scott and LaRissa Simonson of Fairfield, and Bret and LeeZann DePratu of Vaughn; sisters, Alysha Simonson of Fairfield, Alison Brandt of Phoenix and Shasta DePratu of Great Falls; brothers Christopher DePratu and Tyler DePratu, both of Great Falls; grandparents Bob and Bea DePratu of Whitefish, Jerome and Marge Simonson of Power and Bob and Darlene Hill of Reardon, Wash.; a niece and nephew Adam and Allcia of Phoenix; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved very much. Ryan didn't have a wife, but the current love of his life was his 1973 Mustang.
Ryan was born Jan. 12, 1982, in Great Falls, and raised in Montana, graduating from Power High School in 2001. He also completed Alamon Lineman School for fiber optics and telecommunication installation in Kalispell in 2002.
Ryan was currently working for Ellensburg Exploration on the oil rigs in Wyoming. In his short life he worked for Stone Mason Granite Works in Whitefish and Great Falls, DePratu Ford as a car detailer, Plum Creek Manufacturing in Evergreen and Eagle IGA in Fairfield. Ryan was quite a perfectionist. He loved his work and took great pride in all that he had done. Ryan always had a great work ethic and seeked to improve himself.
He served as Senate page for his grandfather, Bob DePratu in 1999, and was very proud of it. He still couldn't tie a tie, but he sure tried.
Ryan was an avid hunter and fisherman and all around outdoors kind of guy. If he was outdoors, life was good. His happiest times were hanging out with family or his buddies, his lifelong friends: Tytus Rapp, Scott Allaire, Garrett Kramer and his two brothers, Chris and Tyler.
Memorials in Ryan's name are suggested to the Teton County Food Pantry, c/o Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Ave. Great Falls, 59401, The Rocky MT. Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808 or to the Northwest Family Fellowship, 300 23rd Ave. NE., Great Falls, MT 59404.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Simonson-DePratu

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Shawna & Brandi

September 17, 2008

Rissa & Family- We are so sorry for your loss. I couldn't imagine the pain and sorrow you guys are going through. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rob Hagestad

September 15, 2008

Scott,Rissa,Alysha I am going to miss Ryan greatly. He was taken from us way to early in life but I know Ryan would want us to keep on livin life cause thats what he would do. Even when things wern't going the best Ryan always had a smile or looked on the bright side and moved on. I prayed he would be with me on my elk hunts this year and I was already blessed with a nice bull the second time out. I know he was there helping guide my arrow. Love you guys. Uncle Rob

Pam Sowers

September 14, 2008

Rissa and family-
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Cheryl had told me recently in the shop. I can only imagine that the worst possible pain is to lose a child. By reading some of the entries, Ryan sounds like he was a wonderful young man who accomplished so much in his short life. I'm sure you are very proud of that. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Pam

Aaron Edwards

September 11, 2008

I'm am very sorry for Rissa and Scott Simonson. I wish I had met him, I give my love to you guys and to Ryan.

Krista Bales

September 7, 2008

Simonson's-
I never thought that I would have to be writing this about Ryan! I am so sorry and wish I could take all your pain, fears and worries away and bottle them up so you didn't have to feel it!! I wish I was closer so that when you were having a bad day I could just wrap my arms around you!!!! I always looked up to Ry and will continue to until I meet him again! He is forever our family angel!!! I love you guys!!!

Mark Lowry

September 6, 2008

While I did not know Ryans family, nor had I seen him in the last three years, I will Greatly miss him. Please accept the deepest sympathies from the Lowry family. Sincerely, Mark Lowry

Kellie, Parker, & Hunter Rapp

August 30, 2008

Rissa and family,
Ryan was and will always be a great man. He was an awesome friend to alot of people and anybody that was his friend was truelly blessed to have such a special friend. I will always remember hanging out with Ryan and Tytus and the rest of the crew: going hiking up the butte, going bowling in Great Falls, or any of the other times that we all hung out. It was very seldom that I would see Ryan with anything but a smile on his face.
Ryan will be missed by all. He meant alot to my family and myself. If you need anything know that we are here for you. God Bless you for raising such a awesome son. You and your family are in my sons and my prayers.

Jamie Hover

August 29, 2008

Dear DePratu Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during your time of loss...

Hover Family

Alden Nowacki

August 29, 2008

Scott and family,
Just learned of your sons death, my sincere sympathy.

Cheryl Hagestad

August 28, 2008

Dear Rissa ,Scott ,Alysha jo, and all the DePratu Family, I so wish all the i'm sorrys and prayers would bring Ryan back. You know how much I loved him. If the hole in my heart hurts this bad ,Can not even begin to know your pain and grief. I promise that I am here for you everyday in everyway I hope you know it too.Ryan was a awesome young man taken way too soon from us . The tribute to Ryans life was awesome. He loved life and All of his family and was never afraid to show it. I will so much his voice saying AUNTIE it always melted my heart and he knew it/. Love you guys

kylee hagestad

August 28, 2008

ryan u wernt only my cuzin u were like another bro to me i love ya man u r in my thoughts and prayers and i no that ur only a prayer away

Lyla Grossman

August 28, 2008

Rissa and Family, I just wanted to you know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.

Valerie Nowacki

August 27, 2008

Rissa, Scott, Alysha, & Family,

I cannot imagine the roller coaster of emotions all of you have experienced these past few days. I remember Ryan as a smiley little man playing outside at Grandma Potucek's house. I didn't get to see him as he grew up but, judging from what was shared in his obituary, he made the most of every day. You have every reason to be so very proud of him.

With much Love,
Cousin Valerie

Mimi Heydon

August 27, 2008

Rissa & family:
I was saddened by your tragic loss.....may you find comfort in your memories and in God's abundant love.
Take care & Love,

Jeremy Bales

August 27, 2008

Ryan, thank you for standing up for me at my wedding ceremony when you didnt even know me. You welcomed me into the family and made me feel like i belonged. I will never forget you. Thank you man

Lindsey Carey (Grunenwald)

August 27, 2008

Rissa and Family,

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Anybody who knows you knows how much you take pride in your children.

God Bless Rissa, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Jean Scoates

August 27, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

The congregation at Calvary Chapel of Great Falls

August 27, 2008

To Ryan's Family,
We send our deepest sympathy for your tragic loss of Ryan. Though he was not long with you, may his zest for life and love of family be a constant inspiration and wealth of treasured memories. We will remember you in prayer for true comfort and strength as only our Lord, Jesus Christ, can provide.

Amber & Bryce Riphenburg

August 26, 2008

Dear Brett and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Only time will heal your wounds and you need to take it one day at a time.

Vonnie Erickson

August 26, 2008

Dear LaRissa and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the recent loss of your son. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jon,Debby and Sara Barnard

August 26, 2008

Rissa and Family, August 12 has been one year since we lost our daughter Raechel. My heart hurts for you and your family, we know there are no words that can ease your pain. It was the love of friends and family that helped us through our grief. We are thinking of you and your family at this time of loss and sorrow.

Jana Bales

August 26, 2008

I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful young man. I am the mother in law of his cousin Krista Fura Bales and Ryan served as best man for my son Jeremy when Jeremy & Krista had church ceremony last October. Ryan was so sweet and so thoughtful and he and Jeremy became close. I love you all & hope you find comfort in knowing Ryan is now the family's guardian angel and will always be a whisper in the wind when you feel lonely.

Jerry & Darcy Siebenaller

August 25, 2008

Dear Rissa, Stu and Family,

Darcy and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Ryan will always be a great kid to me. I remember his sweet smile and soft giggle as if it was yesterday. Know that we are thinking of you through these difficult times.

Jamie Smith

August 25, 2008

Dear Rissa, Scott and Alysha,

I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Words can not begin to express the sadness I feel in my heart for you. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and comfort you during this time.

August 25, 2008

Dear Rissa and family:

So sorry to hear about your loss. I have thought of you and your family many times since hearing about Ryan. God never gives you more than you can bear, although I am sure you are wondering...May he help you through this trial.

With love and kind thoughts...
Sue, Jesse and Morgan Jenkins

Tamara Kolwyck

August 25, 2008

We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Tamara and Shane Kolwyck
and family

Jessica Brodock

August 25, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Patricia Dahms

August 25, 2008

Rissa and Family, Words cannot express the loss you have suffered. My thoughts are with you. I am sure he enjoyed every day he had with you.

Melony Dunn

August 25, 2008

Scott, Rissa and family,
I am sorry to hear the loss of your son, may God be with you at this time, My heart and prayers go out to you all.
Melony Dunn
Casper, WY

August 25, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers our with you all during this difficult time.

Jack, Bev & Zack Halter & Shane Rice
Rudyard, MT

Codie Hughes

August 25, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss, this is a difficult time for you guys, and if you need anything, anything at all let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rene Peters (Hansen

August 25, 2008

Ryan's family & friends
I had been around Ryan only a few times, but those few times were memorable. His laughter will remain with everyone forever. It won't be the same seeing Tytus without him, but he'll be with him in his own way. You will all have a gaurdian angel smiling down on you.
Hugs and Prayers

Gwenn Frisbee And Family

August 25, 2008

Dear Bret,LeeZann and all of Ryan's family.We are very sorry for your loss.Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love

Sheila Kemmer

August 25, 2008

We remember Ryan and his sweet humble nature. We did not know him in his successful years beyond Power High, but we are not surprised to learn that he was successful and rich in many accomplishments and relationships.
Dear Family our hearts are with you in this loss of your loved one.
Sheila Kemmer, Anna,Amy, Amanda.

Shelley Lighter

August 25, 2008

Scott & Rissa,
My thoughts and Prayers.
Always,
Shelley Lighter

August 24, 2008

Dear Scott, Rissa and Alysha,

There is nothing more unfair and unatural than losing those you love while they are still young. Ryan had a bright future. His many friends and the love of a strong family will carry you through the days ahead.

Mourn as it comes to you. Allow yourselves to feel and live the emotions in their moments, cling to your strong relationships and take advantage of offers from those who want so much to do anything to help.
Ryan's time was short, but it was good. We should all live it like he did...to the fullest.

Our hearts and prayers go with you.

Howie and Resa Pittman
Stephanie, John, Jessica, Arielle, and Miranda Wagner

Holly Jacobs

August 24, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ryan worked with my Husband on the rigs, he was very upset to find out what happened. he will be missed but never forgotten.

with love,
The Jacobs: Levi, Holly and Tanner

Levi Petroff

August 24, 2008

Rissa and Scott,
Know that you are in our thoughts in this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss.

Chris & Shelley Dockter

August 24, 2008

Scott, Rissa and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris,Shelley,Kelsey & Jr.

Jed Ewert

August 24, 2008

Rissa, Scott and family,

My deepest sympathies go out to you all. Ryan was one of the most genuine and truly kind people with a passion for life and the outdoors, and I will never forget the good times we had. I grew up and graduated with Ryan and I have so many great memories. I'll never forget the summer before 6th grade when we rode our bikes every day out to your fishing hole, it was one of the best summers of my life as a kid. You will always be in all of our hearts and in our fondest memories, I just can't believe you aren't with us anymore

Madeline Satra

August 24, 2008

Rissa,Scott, Cheryl, Rob, and families
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry & Carol Sears

August 24, 2008

Dear Bret & family,

So sorry to read about the loss of your son. It's been many years since we've talked but the memoires are still there.

Tanya Shearer

August 24, 2008

Rissa, Cheryl, Bob and Dar:
I was devistated when I got the call from Dad this morning and I find myself at a loss for words. I can not express my sadness to you and your families but want you to know that you are (as always) in my thoughts and prayers. If there is ever anything I can do. Please know that we are only a phone call away.
With all our love,
Tanya Shearer and family

Pat Bartow

August 24, 2008

Rissa,Scott,Family,Cheryl,Rob,Family Bob,Darlene..My heart & prayers are with all of you.Now you have your own angel to watch over you and memories will alway keep him with you...Hugs Prayers Pat

Amanda Doheny

August 24, 2008

Dear Rissa and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish the pain I feel for you could diminish yours. I am praying for all of you to be strong and find comfort and peace.

All my love and prayers,

Amanda Doheny & Family

Tanya Gifford

August 24, 2008

Rissa, Scott, and family You are in my thoughts. Please find comfort in all the laughter he brought to your life.

Wes & Adrienne Teterud

August 24, 2008

Bob, Bea & Bret,
We are so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Even though we never met Ryan personally, we know that he came from good DePratu stock marked with a strong work ethic and a warm personality. May your memories of Ryan be a comfort to all of you in the days ahead.

Carol Lehnerz

August 24, 2008

Rissa, Scott, Alysha & to all Ryan's family, please know you are in our thoughts & prayers. Ryan will be in our hearts forever as Ryan touched everyone he met with his great smile & wonderful attitude. With much love
Carol,Mark,J.T.,Jordyn, Trey, Kala,Coco,EJ,Cristal,Kortnee & Seth

Scott, Lonnie Allaire and Family

August 24, 2008

To Ryans Family:
Words can not begin to express how much Ryan will be missed by Lonnie and I. He meant the world to us and especially to Rocky Dale. There won't be a day that goes by that we wont think of him. He will forever watch over all of us for the rest of our lives to keep us safe. You are all in our thoughts and prayers we love you.

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