Michael Patrick Ryan

Michael Patrick Ryan, 71, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. He was with his daughter, Hillary, and his brother, Tim, when he passed.

He was a graduate from Sturgis High School and received his degree from Central Michigan University where he met the love of his life, Elaine Joyce (Visser) Ryan. The two made a life together in Elkhart, Indiana, renovating homes, raising their children and finding and walking with the Lord.

Mike was a longtime tool and dye salesman, traveling throughout the country telling a story to anyone who would listen. Every cashier, waiter, passing face, frowning child, hurting animal, would get a smile and a gentle touch and a kind word from Mike. He would make sure he knew your name, asked about your life, and shared with you a funny fact or story he remembered to make you smile. After he retired, he was a substitute teacher at Elkhart and Memorial high schools in Indiana. His greatest joy was the young adults he was able to impress upon in his life. His best memories were lying about the fish he caught with his brothers and nephews when they went on fishing trips. Mike was a true lover of music and was always whistling a tune. He would never hesitate to swing his wife or daughter into a dance step if the right tune was on, making us laugh and roll our eyes at his humor and heart. Mike was a man of God, who spent his final moments reflecting on the goodness of God and the peace he claimed in this life with Him.

Mike would want those who remember him to use his memory to reach out to a stranger and show kindness, to make the first move in a tough situation and do the right thing and to always show love and character, first.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his sons, Brandon McElfish and Ian Ryan and his wife, Morgan Ryan; and daughter, Hillary Ryan DeLong and her husband, Mike DeLong; antd grandchildren Isaiah Dye, Logan DeLong and Hadley Ryan.

There will be no formal funeral services but if desired, donations can be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of his sister and niece.