Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Apr 18, 1992 - Dec 31, 2025 (Age 33)
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
Coppergear
January 11, 2026 | Québec City, QC | Acquaintance
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.
Brad Heegel
January 08, 2026 | Lakewood Ranch, FL | Friend
I offer my deepest sympathies and will keep you in my prayers.
Brenda Kulow
January 06, 2026 | Estherville, IA
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...
Bruce Ammann
January 04, 2026 | Queen Creek, AZ | Teacher
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.
Jill Nordwick
January 04, 2026 | Uvalde, TX | Friend
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.
Heather Swanson
January 04, 2026 | Canton, SD | Friend
I am so sorry to hear this! My sincere sympathies! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers!
Sandy Fandel
January 04, 2026 | Estherville, IA | Friend
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.
Tara Nighswonger
January 03, 2026 | Spencer | Friend
I’m so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.
Roberta Hersom
January 03, 2026 | Emmetsburg, IA
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.
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