Ryan James Marks, age 33, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully of natural causes at his home in Sioux Falls, SD, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Ryan was born on April 18, 1992, in Estherville, IA, to Randy and Brenda (Anderson) Marks. He attended school in Estherville and graduated from Estherville Lincoln Central High School in 2010. Ryan continued his education at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, studying music and journalism.

During his school years, Ryan was deeply involved in fine arts, excelling in instrumental music. A talented clarinetist, he was selected for numerous honor bands and festivals, including the prestigious Iowa All-State Band. He also enjoyed playing piano and continued to do so whenever possible.

Ryan's greatest passion was music. He loved movies, video games, and other "nerdy" pursuits, but music was always at the center of his life. He collected CDs and vinyl records-especially metal and noise genres-and created annual "best of" lists for new releases. Ryan frequently posted album reviews on Sputnik Music (sputnikmusic.com), combining his passion for music and his unique writing talents. He was always thrilled when his reviews were chosen to be featured on their homepage. Ryan also composed and recorded noise music under the names "Coumadin," "Cut Rings," and "Ram Ventilation," proudly releasing thirty-nine recordings both independently and in collaboration with other artists.

Ryan also had a deep love for animals. As a Star Sitter for Rover, he found great joy in caring for pets. His greatest pride, however, was being a devoted cat dad to "his girls": Chrissy, Aubrey, April, Luna, and Zeke.

Ryan is lovingly remembered by his parents, Randy and Brenda Marks of Sioux Falls, SD; his brother, Kyle Marks (Katie Booth) of Minneapolis, MN; maternal grandmother, Sharon Anderson; paternal grandparents, Ron and Bobby Marks; aunt and uncle Kim and Jeff Taylor; aunt Michelle Marks-all of Sioux Falls, SD-as well as many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James A. Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ryan's favorite cat rescue: The Kitten League, PO Box 65, Canton, SD 57013.

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

Obituary published on Legacy.com by KELOLAND on Jan. 2, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Marks

15 Entries

Coppergear

January 11, 2026

Ryan... Coumadin... Ram Ventilation... You were a master of noise... We are going to miss you. It was an honour to know your work. Noises in heaven !

My dearest sympathies to family and friends

Brad Heegel

January 8, 2026

Oh goodness, I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Ryan's passing. My most sincere condolences to the entire Marks family. As Dr. Amman indicated below, I am in posession of one of my most prized possessions - the cartoon that Ryan did of me, and it hangs right above my desk in my home. I think of Ryan and that trip just about every day, and it's so very hard to think that he's no longer here. Glad bless his memory, and may He wrap all of you with his love.

Brenda Kulow

January 6, 2026

I offer my deepest sympathies and will keep you in my prayers.

Bruce Ammann

January 4, 2026

Ryan was an important member of the Augustana Band. He was a member of the traveling band that toured Egypt in January of 2011. Not only was Ryan gifted as a musician, he also had a talent for drawing cartoons. In one of his drawings he depicted Brad H. (our Augustana tour manager) as Moses, leading his people (the Augustana Band members) out of Egypt (through the hotel swimming pool!). Brad will treasure that cartoon forever.
I feel blessed that Ryan selected to attend Augustana and he will forever have a place in my heart.
Bruce Ammann
Augustana Band Director, Emeritus

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Jill Nordwick

January 4, 2026

We are so sorry to hear about Ryan. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We still use a Ryan quote at our house. He was eating supper with us and said something funny and said “I crack myself up”. We think of him whenever one of us says this. We have fond memories of Ryan.

Heather Swanson

January 4, 2026

Ryan had a huge heart and an unabashed love for his cats. That's is how I met Ryan...I will miss his messages reminding me how beautiful his girls were and how thankful he was to have them. I am blessed to have known Ryan.

Sandy Fandel

January 4, 2026

I am so sorry to hear this! My sincere sympathies! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers!

Tara Nighswonger

January 3, 2026

I am so very sorry of Ryan's passing. I worked with him telemarketing at Cadre. We remained friends over social media, mainly for both our love of cats. He truly had a good, kind soul and I know he is at peace now.

Roberta Hersom

January 3, 2026

I’m so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.

Coletta Jaeger

January 3, 2026

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rita Garrelts

January 3, 2026

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Lynn Reisner

January 3, 2026

Sending our heartfelt sympathies to Randy, Brenda, Kyle, and the rest of the family. Lots of time spent with the Marks family at band activities.

Kristi Hough

January 3, 2026

Brenda & family- Praying for God's comfort and your loving memories of Ryan to carry you through. Love, hugs and prayers ~Kristi

David Van Hooser

January 3, 2026

I really liked Ryan. As someone with similar music tastes I would check out albums from his online lists. He's had it rough, but this is devastating. My deepest condolences, he was truly taken away too soon.

Janet Kollasch

January 2, 2026

So sorry you hear of Ryan's passing. Know I'm thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers jan

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