John Michael Ryel

1943 - 2021

John Michael (Mike) Ryel
January 29, 1943 - July 12, 2021
Merced, California - John Michael (Mike) Ryel, 78 years old, took his last breath on July 12, 2021 surrounded by family after a short, but aggressive, battle with cancer. Mike loved life and did not blink when it came time to the fight of his life. He was stoic and still handsome as ever to the very end. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Arol and Mary Frances Ryel. Mike and his family moved to California in 1961 from Colorado. It was in Merced that they started Greenbelt Western Wear and became an integral part of the community. Many memories were created, and lifelong relationships were made through customer visits.
Mike enjoyed traveling the world, and had a passion for skiing, golfing, fishing and sightseeing. He had an eye for nature's beauty and loved photography. He loved the coast, and it was there that Mike met his sweetheart, Carmen Priolo, with whom he shared the most beautiful 15 years of his life. He was a loving and devoted father to Ginger Madan (Randy), Buffy McDaniel (Daron), and Kelly Ryel (Jack). Mike also leaves behind his younger sister, Jeanne Kendrick, seven grandchildren that he was so proud of – Devyn Rocha, Taylor Rocha, Corbett McDaniel, Connor McDaniel, Garry (Amber) Harris, Austin Tucker and Lake Tucker, and great grandchildren – Tatumn Rocha and Kason Tucker, Jaden, Braxton and Noah Harris. Mike's love for his family was immense. His sense of humor, his charisma, and charm will all be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Bella Luna restaurant in Merced, CA on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. for friends and family in honor of a life well lived.