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BORN
1962
DIED
2019
Kathleen Ryan Obituary
Milwaukee - Kathleen Ann Ryan (nee Knar) followed her beloved dad into eternal life on February 2, 2019 at 56 years of age. She was the second child of seven born to Richard A. and Renee D. Knar, Sr. on February 4, 1962 in Milwaukee, WI.
Kathleen married Peter Remington Ryan on July 31, 1987 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fond du Lac, WI. To this union were born three sons: Zachary James (Heather) Ryan of Mundelein, IL, Samuel Richard (Jessica) Ryan of Vernon Hills, IL, and Maxwell Peter (Laura Elfstrom) Ryan of St. Paul, MN. Kathleen and Peter raised their sons in The Bronx, NY and Lake Elmo, MN. In 2015, they moved to Milwaukee, WI to be closer to their grandchildren: John J, McKenna Ann, and Brooke Kathleen Ryan, who have been the lights of her life.
Kathleen is further survived by her mother: Renee D. (nee Hestekind) Knar of St. Francis, WI and six siblings: Karen R. (James) Blackburn, Richard A. (Theresa) Knar, Jr., Deanne M. Knar, Constance M. (Daniel) Wuest, Susan P. Knar, and Cheryl L. (Charlie) Berry. Kathleen leaves behind 8 nieces and 12 nephews, as well as 8 great-nieces and -nephews.
In 1980, Kathleen graduated from L. P. Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, WI and later earned her Bachelor's Degree in Economics, graduating cum laude, from Lehman College of CUNY in The Bronx, NY.
Kathleen began her remarkable and cherished teaching career in 1993 at St. Barnabas Catholic School in The Bronx, NY. The family relocated to Minnesota in 1994, where Kathleen taught at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Chaska, MN and later at Stillwater High School in Stillwater, MN, where she taught economics and social studies. She later taught at Independence High School in Independence, WI and Atlas Prep in Milwaukee, WI. As of 2017, Kathleen has been teaching at St. Augustine Prep in Milwaukee, WI - a position in which she found great fulfillment. Teaching was Kathleen's calling as she enjoyed and inspired her countless students and valued her many colleagues.
A visitation is scheduled on February 12, 2019 at 4 PM followed by a funeral mass at 6 PM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 3635 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, St. Francis, WI. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Ryan
Sponsored by the Fond du Lac Reporter.
Sam Ryan
October 18, 2019
No words can express truly how I feel. I would do anything to have another chance to talk to you or see you. Jess and I moved into our home and the holidays are around the corner. I know how much fun this time of year was for you, because it meant being around family and the start of basketball. I try my best to fill your shoes, but know I can't do it alone. Your boys (Dad, Zack, Max, and I) have all risen to the occasion. Just the other day John and I were playing, as Jess and I were watching him and Brooke. John turned to me and called me a Spomp, which followed up with Grandma Ryan called us that. This of course is when I couldn't beat a level for him in Mario.
You still live on and I am so proud to call you Mom. Jess and I welcomed Cooper on September 27th, I never got to tell you we were pregnant, but the plan was to do so on your birthday, but I know you know now. It has been pretty special to see how loved he is and finally to bring a Ryan cousin into this world for Zack and his family. Zack and Heather have been great to have, its been cool to see how close all of us have gotten. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. You'd be proud Mom.
Every night before bed I get to tell Cooper a story about his Grandma and it seems to get him to fall asleep, as well as gives me peace knowing you are watching over him. Don't worry I won't tell him about the night in the hospital...yet. Thank you for watching over him, he is tough just like you. When he smiles, I know its you putting that smile on his face, like you have always done for all of us. We love and miss you Mom.
Sam, Jess, and Cooper
Zack Ryan
July 9, 2019
Theres not a day that goes by where I dont think about you. I still cant believe youre gone. All three of your grandkids have had birthdays, your sons are staying strong and dad just took John fishing for his 6th birthday. You wouldve loved to see that! Sam and Jess are expecting in September! Times have been tough, but we are tougher! Love you mom.
Zack
Karen Knar
February 21, 2019
Karen Knar
February 21, 2019
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Niki
February 13, 2019
She was one of the best teachers in 834, ever! She was so funny, and every student loved her! I'm so sad and pray for her family.
JOE AND SUE STEPHANY
February 12, 2019
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF KATHLEEN'S DEATH. WE
ARE VACATIONING IN FL, SO WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE VISITATION. JEFF IS PLANNING ON ATTENDING BUT THE WEATHER MIGHT INTERFERE WITH HIS PLANS. THANK YOU FOR MAKING US FEEL WELCOME WHEN WE MOVED TO FDL. WE HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF THE KNAR KIDS ENTERTAINING THE STEPHANY KIDS. WHEN YOU ARE COMFORTABLE, RENE, FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 920-539-0387.
WITH ALL OUR LOVE, JOE AND SUE
February 12, 2019
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of the loss of Kathleen. Even though I was only 2 years old when we moved away from 4th street, my life has been filled will stories of your family by my older siblings and parents. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Jennifer Drost (Stephany)
February 12, 2019
I never had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen, but one of the great privileges of my life has been meeting and loving the Knar family. To me, they epitomize the definition of family....unconditional love and support through the good times and the bad. I am so sorry for all of the pain that all of these families are going through. What a legacy Kathleen has left....beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and teacher. I have no doubt that she lived a life of love and family and honor. Rest in peace dear lady.
Anne Lohaus
Arnie Anima
February 12, 2019
Zack, Sam and Dick Knar. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My condolences to you and your families. Arnie Anima CCHS
February 11, 2019
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Kathleen's passing. When she was director of Tartan boys traveling basketball, I was the director of North St Paul boys traveling basketball. We worked together quite often during the season on tournaments, players getting to the right association and just talking and sharing ideas about each of our programs. I lost touch after my boys were no longer in the program and I stepped down as director. I was saddened to hear of what happened and I hope answers can be provided. Prayers are going out to her family and friends and students.
Sincerely,
Brad Rasmussen
Jason Boston
February 11, 2019
On behalf of the Northern Officials Association, I want to express our condolences.
Rick Lindsley
February 10, 2019
It's always sad when the news you hear of someone is that you'll never hear from them again. It has been many years since our days at McDonald's and I'm so glad to hear you found a passion - several, it would seem - beyond the arches.
My condolences to your family, both close and extended. How unfortunate that another light has been extinguished.
Christmas 2017
February 10, 2019
Tree Knar
February 10, 2019
Kat-toe-leen:
Your infectious smile will forever be engraved in my memory. I love you.❤
, . .
Kathleen, may you have eternal peace. Watch over us.
February 10, 2019
February 10, 2019
February 10, 2019
Toni Knar
February 10, 2019
"A Letter to Heaven"
Dear Kathleen,
Growing up, the Knar family was always close. We would get together in summer for Walleye Weekend and in the winter for our annual Christmas gathering. Since my dad had 6 sisters, that made 6 whole aunt's names that I had to remember. I had to come up with ways to recall their name. One in particular always sang to me when she saw me. Every time I'd walk around the corner, I would hear Toni the little bony lady, she's cute. Honestly, it was refreshing to hear someone singing something other than the Frosted Flakes Hey Tony song. You truly loved all your nieces and nephews.
I have so many fond memories of you growing up. One of the earliest is a time when we had breakfast together. We both ordered eggs over medium. I watched as you swept up your yolk with your toast and thought that was genius. You are the reason to this day why I do this. You made an impression on my young mind, as you would with your future students.
As long as I've known you, you have always had dogs. You loved every last one of them. I would smile every time you greeted Rocky with Oh Monkey!. You loved every last one of them; almost as much as you loved your three boysalmost.
Speaking of your three sons, my cousins, you were constantly invested in their lives, especially when it came to sports. I fondly remember making trips up to Minnesota every summer for the basketball tournament. Although, as an 8 year old I didn't enjoy sharing a van with 10 other rowdy, sweaty, and smelly basketball guys who enjoyed pranking us a little too much, I looked forward to visiting my aunt, uncle, three cousins and their dogs at their big house with their big open yard. Although hosting the big basketball group came with much preparation and stress, you never once hesitated to host the next year and the year after that. You were always hospitable.
Fast forward to last year, I met you for lunch up in St. Francis. Both of us enjoyed a cup of their delicious French onion soup. We got to catch up and I asked you about your new job. You spoke about St. Augustine Prep with such passion and excitement. I was impressed with your description of a Milwaukee native's vision he had to invest in a school that helped teach children the importance of accountability like providing the students with a bucket of school supplies that they were held responsible for. An institution that provided a budget for each teacher to decorate the classrooms. You spoke about the welcoming environment and the inclusion of its students. That is a characteristic that I admire of yours: pride. And it was clear that you truly felt a lot of it for your school.
Nothing could have prepared us for what happened on February 2nd. There was not a lot of time to process it. Since then, the air seems to have a little bit less: less of that iconic laugh; less of that witty humor; and less of those original songs you would craft. However, there remains an abundance of memories in our mind that we hold nearer and dearer to our hearts.
Aunt Kathleen, we miss you and we love you.
The Bony Little Lady
Robert Knar
February 10, 2019
Aunt Kathleen was a fantastic godmother. Always made me laugh and left me with some wonderful memories. The times that I have spent with her are ones I will always cherish forever.
Richard Knar
February 10, 2019
I miss my sister every second of everyday. I have so much I want to talk to her about. I love her!
Richard Knar
February 10, 2019
Gregg Stephany
February 10, 2019
Very sorry to hear of Kathleen's passing. I have some great memories of growing up next door to you all on 4th Street My condolences to the entire Knar family. Take Care.
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