It is with deep sorrow and love that we share the passing of Ryan Matthew King of Lincoln, Nebraska, who left us on October 27, 2025. While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the life he lived and the joy he brought to those around him. He was 52 years old.

Ryan will be remembered for his love of the triathlon life, where swimming, running, and biking brought him both challenge and joy. He completed multiple Half Iron Man events and went on to achieve the incredible feat of finishing Full Iron Man races. Weekends often found Ryan running side by side with his wife Kim, sharing their passion for fitness and their time together. Beyond athletics, Ryan treasured moments spent with family, friends, and his dogs. Saturdays were a special time for tailgating, where he brought people together with his warmth and laughter. Ryan had a gift for making friends everywhere he went, and his easy smile and kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

He also loved traveling and made it a goal to see as many places as possible, especially destinations near the ocean. After his cancer diagnosis, Ryan was especially thankful for the opportunities he had to explore the world. His message to those he leaves behind is simple but powerful: travel now and do not wait, because life is meant to be enjoyed and we never know when it will be too late.

For 21 years, Ryan dedicated his career to Mapes Industries. To him, it was more than a workplace. It was a second home filled with colleagues who became like extended family. His loyalty, work ethic, and camaraderie will be fondly remembered by all who worked alongside him.

He is survived by his wife, Kim Riggs, step-children, Sheldon and Jaimyn Riggs, step-father, William (Bill) Koertje, brother, Michael King (Kathy), Aunt Susan Martin, father-in-law, Don Miller, in-laws, Natalie & Lyn Leach, Steph & Jason Main, Bruce Miller, nieces, Tanner King (Janessa Hoover Kapke) and Mindy Jarvis (Jared), nephews, Ben Leach (Ryan Boege), Joshua, Zach and Nick Main, great nephew, Elijah Jarvis, great niece, Sienna Boege, and a wide circle of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother, Julie King, father, Lester King, mother-in-law, JoAnne Miller, sister-in-law, Pamela Miller, Aunt Trudy Moon, and Uncle Chuck Martin. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

A service to celebrate Ryan's life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at First-Plymouth Church, 20th and D Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Friends and family are welcome to gather and share memories. Please wear whatever feels right to you, this is a day to celebrate.

Memorials to the family for future designation.

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

Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Nov. 2 to Nov. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan King

Sponsored by The Nebraska Cremation Society - Wahoo.

4 Entries

JD and Sheila Dreiling

November 4, 2025

Kim you have our deepest sympathy. JD and I have many fond memories watching you all grow up to adulthood

David Berman

November 4, 2025

I had the great honor of telling Ryan's story for the Bryan Health magazine. I only spoke with Ryan a handful of times but was so struck by his positivity and warmth. His optimism and perspective on the world was inspiring. During our interview, he said to me, "I'll go to the ends of the earth just to get one more day." It's a message I'll continue to carry with me. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your story.

Craig Pleskac

November 3, 2025

I too find this message feeling tremendous sorrow. I'm a neighbor of Ryan's and really got to know him through the sport of Triathlon. I had a opportunity train and participate with Ryan in several events. He was such a great inspiration to me whether seeing him out on his bike on highway 34, returning from a gravel ride, jogging up the street following a brick run, or at the gym training in the pool. One of my fondest memories was seeing Ryan on the run portion of the race at Ironman Louisville and having him give me a shoutout. I really do miss those times.

To me personally Ryan was also a great motivator and a good friend. Often times Ryan would check in with my prior to an upcoming race just to give me advice and words of encouragement. I will miss having him drive by my house always waving and often stopping just to chat.

I followed him online through his journey and fight with cancer. His battle against against cancer was truly inspirational, and he even completed a half Ironman in Oceanside, CA following his initial rounds of treatments. In one of his final updates his advice was to not put off or delay something in life that you really want to do just because you might be too busy. You just never know when you're going to run out of time.

We will miss you Ryan.

Susan Martin

November 2, 2025

I had the honor of being Ryan's aunt. I watched him grow from being a beautiful little boy to a very successful man. We could all learn from Ryan and how he lived he's life. I love you Ryan King and I thank you for being part of my life.