Ryan Michael Hurlbutt

Ryan Michael Hurlbutt, of Niles, Mich., went to meet our Lord and Savior in heaven at the age of 73, at Memorial Hospital on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at 3:53 p.m.

Ryan was born on Nov. 18, 1947, in Great Lakes, Ill., to Ray and Helen (Lunn) Hurlbutt.

On May 5, 1973, Ryan married the love of his life, Diane M. Nowak, at St. Adalbert Church. Ryan is survived by his wife, Nana; his daughter, Erin (Mike) Govier, of Battle Creek, Mich.; two sons, Bryan (Angie) Hurlbutt, of Niles, Mich., and Michael (Marcie) Hurlbutt, of Allendale, Mich.; five grandchildren: Michael, Eric, Emma, Allyson and Hunter; two step-grandchildren, Zach and Jenna; three sisters: Theresa (Ron) Redman, of Atlanta, Ga., Sandy (Jim) Booth, of Redmond, Ore., and Colleen (Greg) Hunt, of Mayville, Wis.; two brothers, Phillip Hurlbutt, of Niles, Mich., and Greg, (Karla) Hurlbutt, of Niles, Mich.; his mother-in-law, Dolores Nowak; his cat, Chevy; and countless others that called him "Papa."

He retired from Bosch as a Stamping Product Specialist after 29 years of service. Ryan was an entrepreneur, holding several patents and established R & R Enterprises, a fishing lure business. Papa's lures are still sold today. What brought Ryan the most joy in life was time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, farming and Dr. Pepper. Some of his favorite annual events included cousins camping, Memorial Day weekend at Birch Lake fishing, Lake Erie Walleye fishing and winter adventures to the warmer states with Nana. Papa was one of the most humble, caring and giving people you would ever encounter; he made friends within an instant of meeting you, he was always there to help someone in need and his handy skills reached far and wide, especially in the homes of his children. Papa has left a profound legacy that will live in the hearts of all of us forever. Papa, you will be greatly missed, and we love you so much.

A visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Ind. On Saturday, March 20, 2021, visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church; followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Road, South Bend, Ind.

To send condolences to the Hurlbutt family, please visit: kaniewski.com.

The Hurlbutt family has asked that in memory of Ryan, please spread his love for the outdoors and the kind and giving heart that Ryan exuded throughout his life by planting a tree in honor of Ryan or by giving back to someone in need.