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William A. "Bill" Ryan Jr.

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Hartford, Wisconsin

William Ryan Obituary

Ryan Jr., William A. "Bill" Age 88 years, of Hartford, Wisconsin passed away March 12, 2016 at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. Bill was born in Milwaukee; he graduated from Marquette High School in 1945, and was inducted into the school's first Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Bill was a highly respected financial professional his entire career. He was a great athlete who gained recognition in many sports. Bill was Wisconsin State badminton and squash champion and avid golfer, who finally scored a hole-in-one at age 80. He continued to beat the pants off his friends, children and grandchildren until his passing. He was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, scuba diving and gardening. Bill was a man of faith and a faithful friend of Bill W. for the past 31 years. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Ryan, a brother, Thomas Ryan, 5 children, William Ryan III (Carter), Robert Ryan (Nancy), Laura Ryan Adler (Eli), Dr. Timothy (Sue Ann) Ryan, and Brigid Ryan Stolpa (David), grandchildren, Lauren, Matt, Patrick and Meghan. He is also survived by his step-children, Jim (Shelly) Welter, Vanessa Welter, and Jay Welter, step grandchildren, Jenean, Jessica, Jackie, Jason, Meghan, Michelle, Molly, and Madelyn. Further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by her his first wife Mary Lou Ryan, a sister Pat Possi and a stepdaughter Valerie McCutcheon. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Upper Church, (1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033) with the Rev. Fr. Fred Alexander, OCD officiating. Visitation at the church will be on Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Private Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the 12 Step Program of the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh.

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

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Mar. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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John Koh

March 9, 2025

Bill gone but not forgotten. The tree we planted for you at Washington County Golf Course is thriving.

Tom McCabe

April 1, 2016

My best to the family of Mr. Ryan. One of the finest parents a kid could know. When I was growing up he was a mentor and father-like person too me and taught me many things. I have tried a couple of times to touch base but could not locate him. I wanted to thank him for what he meant to me.
God bless the Ryan Family!

Sandy Erickson

March 18, 2016

Sending love and light for his journey and to aid in your healing.

xo

Jack Quinlevan

March 16, 2016

Tim and Family: I was sorry to learn of the passing of your dad, Bill. I played basketball with him many times over the years at the MAC. He was an outstanding basketball player and a real good guy too. He once asked me to play badminton and I thought how hard could it be. Well he beat me easily and quickly despite our age difference. I am sorry for your loss. Many at the MAC were talking about Bill and were sorry to learn he had passed away.

judy erickson

March 16, 2016

Much love and condolences are being sent to all who are mourning the loss of Bill!

You are now the beneficiaries of a new guardian angel!

March 16, 2016

Our prayers for peace and comfort are offered at this dffcult time. In friendship and love, Ron and Debbie Martin

March 16, 2016

I will miss your friendship, Bill. Thinking of you and your family, today. Dan Ford

Brigid Ryan Stolpa

March 16, 2016

Today we must say goodbye, Dad. I miss you terribly.

March 16, 2016

Dear Adler and Ryan Families,
Our sympathy to you at this time of loss. May God comfort you knowing of your Dad's great faith and Jesus' promise of heaven.
Peg and Tom McAllister
San Anselmo, California

March 15, 2016

Bill, I will never forget how you have shaped my life. Tahnks for the memories. John Koh

Renee Smurawa-Karas

March 15, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you all~

March 15, 2016

In the difficult days to come, may the memories of Bill bring you comfort until the words at Isaiah 35:5,6 are fulfilled.

Mike James

March 15, 2016

I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the service tomorrow, but I will be there in spirit. I will always remember that the weather on the golf course was always GREAT when Bill was with us...and it was never too windy for us. Our little Tuesday golf group was always better because of Bill.

March 15, 2016

My sympathy to you all. Oh I wish I could get there. I think we would have joined Maureen except for my broken leg. So glad you included the hole-in-one mention in the obituary. That is how I want to remember him, always such a "house afire."
I wish to see his head of white hair again too. Such varied memories should sustain all of you too. We will send the memorial to the Jesuits in his name. Love, Kaka and Dave, from Paducah, KY

March 15, 2016

Cousins and Mary Ellen, I'm very sad to learn of Bill's passing. Distance prevents me from joining you at the service but my thoughts will be with you. I hope the memories and good stories temper your grief. John Possi

March 15, 2016

My deepest condolences to the entire family; I have only the fondest memories of my Uncle Bill; may he rest in eternal peace. Say hi to my dad for me...he always had the greatest respect for you and the way you cared so deeply for his loving sister Mary Lou. God Bless you Uncle Bill. Jennie Crewz (Peacock)

Rhonda Pfalzgraf

March 15, 2016

Thank you for sharing your ES&H with us Bill. You will be forever in my heart and when someone is celebrating a birthday, you'll be in my thoughts. Love and prayers to the Ryan family ♡

Will miss your love & guidance.

Bill Ryan III

March 15, 2016

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Memorial Events
for William Ryan

Mar

16

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Upper Church

1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI

Mar

16

Mass of Christian Burial

3:00 p.m.

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Upper Church

1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Shimon Funeral Home

824 Union Street, Hartford, WI 53027

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