Ronald L. Van Ryswyk

1930 - 2017

Ronald L. Van Ryswyk

Des Moines

Ronald Lester Van Ryswyk passed away at his home on March 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Dick Van Ryswyk and Beulah (Isenberg) Van Ryswyk (De Joode) in Pleasantville IA on May 1, 1930.

Ron spent his childhood in the Pleasantville area. Following his graduation from Pleasantville High School, he attended Northwest Missouri State University where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. He taught and coached at several high schools in Missouri and then attended Syracuse (NY) University where he received his doctorate in education.

After completing his doctorate, Ron was named head basketball coach at Frostburg (MD) State University. He established the school's first football program and served as head football coach in addition to his duties as basketball coach. He was also a professor of education at the school. During his tenure at the university, he authored a book titled "Ball Control Offense and Disciplined Defense in Basketball" for coaches.

Ron later did post-doctoral work as a Carnegie Scholar at the University of Michigan in the higher education administration program. Following his completion of the program, he was named dean at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids IA. He then served as dean and professor of education at Monmouth (IL) College and was later named president of Marycrest College in Davenport IA.

Ron is survived by his wife, Anne, Des Moines; son, Hal (Charlotte), Claremont CA; daughters, Doni Kay (Tom) Green, Bedford TX; Geri Lea, West Des Moines; granddaughters, Liesl (Chris) McCormick, Forest Grove OR and Claire (Bryan Price), Santa Ana CA; former wife, Donna Lou, West Des Moines; aunts and uncle, Mildred Maeschen, Pleasantville, Dorothy Wieder, Orlando FL and Willard Van Ryswyk, Pleasantville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Mary Timmins, Omaha NE. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jami Lyn.

Ron's most cherished titles were: Dad, Grandpa, Coach and Sweetheart. He was loved by many and remains in the hearts of his many friends, former students and players. His poetry books "Purple Finches" and "Purple Glow" will always remind us of his remarkable talents. He will be missed by all of us.

Ron was a member of First United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Following his wishes, he was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held during the summer at First United Methodist Church for his family and friends. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Midwest in Johnston IA.