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Ryan Closen Obituary
VARNA - Ryan Thomas Closen, 32, of Lake Wildwood in Varna, Ill., formerly of Bartonville, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, as a result of injuries sustained in an ATV accident.
Ryan is survived by his fiancee, Carin Bogner; his father, Charles Thomas (Lucky) Closen; his mother, Catherine (Cate) Closen; one brother, Max McSimov; one grandmother, Evelyn Smith; and three furry children, Bandit, Bert, and Ernie.
He attended Limestone Community High School, where he played basketball, tennis, football and wrestled. He graduated in 2001 and then continued on to Eureka College, where he played football and pursued a business degree. He finished school at Robert Morris University with his degree in business administration.
Throughout his life he volunteered for the Limestone Fire Department and for the Special Olympics. He also worked as a lifeguard and for the Peoria Pirates football team.
In 2009, he started work for the Adam Merrick Home Selling Team. Ryan was an extremely talented and hard worker who also contributed to the culture of the Adam Merrick Team in a way that made work fun and enjoyable for the entire staff. As self-appointed head of HR, Ryan became the welcoming committee, the king of one-liners, and a source of positivity that got them all through hard times with a smile.
Ryan was not only a lifelong friend but one of the first members of a small real estate venture. Ryan was a fearless leader whose efforts pioneered sales strategies that were new to the Peoria area. In just six short years, Ryan's hard work led the Adam Merrick Team to be ranked No. 26 in the USA by the Wall Street Journal.
On a personal level, Ryan had never met a stranger. Everywhere he went he made friends with ease. He brought a warm and kind heart to every room he entered and filled it with genuine love and acceptance.
His love for football was a huge part of his life. He played all through high school and college and further on into flag football leagues. He was an avid sports fan who loved to root for the Chicago Bears, Cubs and Fighting Illini with the same excitement and devotion he brought to all other parts of his life.
He enjoyed weekends at the beach and four-wheeling with friends. His warmth and generosity will be cherished and missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Father Tom Mizeur will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to services at the chapel on Friday. Following the ceremony, there will be a gathering nearby that will be announced during the funeral.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Closen
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel.
David and Mollie Baker
September 8, 2015
Carin, Cate, Lucky and family, wow so many memories. From the young 16 year old kid who showed up at Kartville wanting a job.He was part of our family. We will miss him always.
Jane Groeper
September 5, 2015
I remember Ryan as one of the students who always smiled and said hello when I passed him on the Eureka College campus. My sympathies to all those who are feeling his untimely loss.
Jerrie Walters
August 10, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Susie Owen
August 9, 2015
Cathy and Max,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know untl Joedy and Carrie told me after the visitation. Hang in there and you are all in my prayers.
Susie Owen (joedy's sister)
Lopez
August 8, 2015
Please know that Our Hearts were broken when we heard the news, what a one of a kind, sweetheart Ryan was. Days and nights will seem to go slower, but try to remember he is right by you in spirit.
Love From Mindy & Mike Lopez
Mary Benson
August 8, 2015
Cate and family;
My heart breaks for you all; You are in my thoughts and prayers;
Amy (Woosley) Kellerstrass
August 7, 2015
Lucky and family, I didn't see this until this morning and had commitments I couldn't ignore. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Jones
August 7, 2015
Cathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. It's been years since we worked together but I still remember you talking about your boys. They were your world and there was nothing you loved more. My heart aches for you and the sorrow you are going through. Wishing you peace in the months ahead.
August 7, 2015
Carin, I was so shocked to hear the news, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sounds like the world just lost a wonderful, caring, compassionate gentleman. Heartfelt sympathies to you, his parents and family. Hugs, Merna
Gunion Kathy
August 7, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terri Donley (Thomas)
August 7, 2015
Cathy, I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I remember you talking about Ryan a lot when we worked together. It was obvious that he was so loved. I will be praying that God gives you the strength you need to get thru the coming days.
Mike & Barb Piscaglia
August 6, 2015
Cathy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ryan always had a smile on his face, and we know he'll be greatly missed by all. Prayers for all of you.
Sue & Digger Clemons
August 6, 2015
This is certainly a tragedy for the entire family, we are so sorry for your loss and send our prayers and sympathy to you. Love and Hugs..Susie & Digger
shannon doerr
August 6, 2015
So sorry...there are no words. Our hearts break for you. May the memories bring peace and comfort. He was such a fun, kind-hearted guy, who will be deeply missed by many. Sincerest condolences. ~ Mike & Shannon Doerr
ann merrick
August 6, 2015
My deepest sympathies goes out to Lucky, family for the loss of Ryan. Lucky was a dear friend to all the Merrick family. Ryan was a leader working with my grandson Adam Merrick. My prayers, thoughts goes out to all the family.
Ann Merrick, Palm Harbor, Fl.
Ann Merrick
August 6, 2015
My deepest sympathies goes out to Lucky, family for the loss of Ryan. Lucky was a dear friend to all the Merrick family. Ryan was a leader working with my grandson Adam Merrick. My prayers, thoughts goes out to all the family.
Ann Merrick, Palm Harbor, Fl.
Carol Stever
August 6, 2015
Our very deepest sympathies to the whole family from our family. We will be praying for you.
Carol and Shawn Stever
deborah merriman gray
August 6, 2015
Lucky, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God grant you strength and peace.
August 6, 2015
I never had the pleasure of meeting Ryan in person but I did speak to him on the phone and thru email. I was most impressed by his kind, respectful manner. I was deeply saddened by the news of this tragic accident. Two years ago this August 17th, I lost two of my Grandchildren in a tragic car accident...I will forever remember my daughter's words, "we can't quit, Mom, Peyton and Zoe wouldn't want that." So, I leave those words to you...living now in Ryan's honor....preserving a memory of a remarkable man....so many lives touched...so many memories to cherish...I pray that, in time, you are able to find comfort and peace...meanwhile, I pray that God gives you the strength to make it thru such a devastating loss...Mary Hoffman
August 5, 2015
Oh my gosh Lucky, Cathy & Carin, and all of the Closens! My heart is aching for your loss in such a great young man. It is the worst thing to happen. I will be putting you all in my prayers.
Barb Primm - Sonshine Studio
August 5, 2015
We were so sorry to hear about Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bill & Betty Gibson
Rose Birmingham
August 5, 2015
I feel so very sorry for your loss Cate! You and your family are in my prayers!
Michael Walraven
August 5, 2015
My heartfelt condolences go out to Lucky,Cathy, Carin, and friends. Ryan will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace my friend.
August 5, 2015
Cathy,
So sorry to hear the loss of Ryan. We send our sympathy to you and your family.
Mary & Keith Claudin
Christy Isonhart
August 5, 2015
I was blessed to have known Ryan since before kindergarten. Almost all of my childhood memories include him and through these memories he will live on! Although separated by distance and daily life Ryan and I spoke last year as if we had just seen each other yesterday because that was the kind of friend he was, a friend for life! Lucky and Cathy I pray for your family and keep you in my thoughts! Thank you for bringing Ryan into this world for he has touched mine.
alice williams
August 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss Lucky, my prayers are with you & your family.
August 5, 2015
Our prayers go out to you and the family -- So sorry for your Loss ! Donna Cunningham (Thatcher) Leona Cunningham (Carter)
Mike & Amy Pagan
August 5, 2015
Although our time with Ryan was short the loss we feel is so tremendous. He brought so much love and life into our home everytime he was here. We feel blessed to call him a friend and can not thank Carin enough for bringing him into our lives. We will forever cherish our time with him and are better people just for knowing him. Rest in peace Ryan, prayers to his family and all who loved him.
Debbie Singley/Faulkner
August 5, 2015
Lucky, I am sorry to hear about your loss. :(
Jim and Cheryl Boucher
August 5, 2015
Lucky and Cathy ... We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of need.
Ali
August 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Carin and the Closen family.
Larry & Paula Gilmore
August 5, 2015
Our prayers go out to you and your family. Our deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences.
Kevin Davis
August 5, 2015
Red Devil for life. You will be missed Ryan. The world is a worse off place without you. Believe that. I'll see you one day in heaven.
Loren Peacock
August 5, 2015
Lucky - so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Barb Crow
August 5, 2015
Prayers for you Cathy, as I know well how much love you have always had for your sons. I remember the conversations we had at work about Ryan, and I can't even imagine how your heart is breaking right now. How handsome he is, and how proud you must be, he sounds like a great guy. You did well. Prayers for you and your family to get through this until you meet again.
Ryan Medina
August 5, 2015
I was lucky enough to go through high school with Ryan. He was a great classmate and was always friendly to everyone regardless of who they were. Definently had an anti bully persona as someone had mentioned. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Take comfort and know Ryan is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Jody Hoerr
August 5, 2015
Our Love and Prayers for the family.
Patti Williams
August 5, 2015
My loving nephew you will be missed so much You always made me laugh every time I came back home to visit no matter if it was just sitting around the table or meeting for lunch. You was always so laid back and easy going.
Love you so much Aunt Patti
Christina Harris (Wall)
August 5, 2015
Ryan was a great guy who touched the lives of many. I've known him since kindergarten and no matter how much time had passed each time I saw him he greeted me as an old friend. Lucky and Cindy should be proud of the genuine man they raised! He won't be easily forgotten by anyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan's family and closest friends. Fly high Ryan; until we meet again!
lou aldridge
August 5, 2015
my prayer go out to your family u will truly be missed I enjoyed working with u on the fire department
Charlene Cheatham
August 5, 2015
Cathy & Lucky....so sorry for your loss. Praying for you.
Pam and. Rusty Segal
August 4, 2015
Lucky,
Rusty and I want you to know how sad and heart broken we are that this happened to Ryan. We know how important our children are to us and there are no words to say to you to help you with this loss. We are also sad that we cannot be there to help and support you as you did many times for us. But always know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dann Moreland
August 4, 2015
I'm saddened to hear of the loss of a great guy and teammate. He will be missed. Prayers to his family and friends.
Deb Earp
August 4, 2015
Prayers for his family, may you find peace in your hearts.
Gary & Donna Gladson
August 4, 2015
Lucky & Cathy, we are so sorry for the loss of your son. Our deepest sympathy.
Doug Rabe
August 4, 2015
Lucky and family..my deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences to you...always hang on to the memories until you meet again.
Doug Rabe
Samantha Hansen
August 4, 2015
I've known Ryan since grade school. He was then and always had been an all around great guy. He was just the type of person you liked to be around. I am so sorry to all of his loved ones for their loss. He will be missed by so many!
Billy pendley
August 4, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost my prayers are with his family
Jeremy Storm
August 4, 2015
Ryan and I met in grade school and although we didn't grow up together and although we were not best friends, I can say first hand that he always went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. For those of us who were new to the school and those of us who didn't know anyone, he was always there to be a friend. Ryan was an Anti-Bully before we knew what that even meant and he made life a little easier for those around him. Rest In Peace Man & thank you for being a friend all those years ago!
Linda Bricker
August 4, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Brandi Flairty
August 4, 2015
Uncle Luck, Cathy and Carin...as I sit here trying to find the words for this, I'm just at a loss. Ryan was such an awesome person loved by so many. I am very blessed to be able to call him my cousin. I loved him dearly and will miss him more than words can say. He has been taken from this earth way too soon. I just pray right now he is up in Heaven hanging out with my Mom. She loved him so very much as he did her...I'm sure they have reunited waiting for the rest of us to join them. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and comfort you in this time of great sorrow. Love, prayers and hugs...Brandi
Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results
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Memorial Events
for Ryan Closen
Aug
6
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
Aug
7
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
Aug
7
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
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