William "Bill" Henry Ryther

William “Bill” Henry Ryther, age 76, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at his home. Bill was born on October 13, 1948, in Austin, Minnesota, to Arthur L. and Lois B. (Vasey) Ryther. He was educated and grew up in rural Austin, living here his entire life. Bill graduated from Austin High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1968, serving two tours in Vietnam. He attained the rank of SP/5 E-5 and earned Army Commendation Medals. After his service in Vietnam, he served in the United States for eight months and was separated from the service in December of 1970. Bill returned to Austin and became engaged in farming, which he continued for all his life, becoming the third generation on the same farm. He was very proud of the fact that it became a Century Farm in his lifetime. Bill was also very proud he lived his entire life in the same home. In August of 1972, he married Ruth Madison; the couple later divorced. From this marriage two children, John William and Michelle Lynn, were born.

In his younger years he was a member of the Lansing Township Board for ten years, the Farmers Union, the Mower County Cattlemen’s Association, and the NRA. On November 13, 1992, Bill was united in marriage to Bonnie Lee (Hertle) Wytaske at the Christ Episcopal Church in Austin. Together the couple owned and operated Ryther’s Baling Service and Custom Work. He was a lifetime member of the Christ Episcopal Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. Bill enjoyed having coffee with his friends at the NorthStar Café and later at Hardees and McDonalds. He enjoyed anything to do with farming, attending farm sales, Lanesboro Cattle Sales, and was proud of his black cattle and registered German Shepherds. Bill spent over 50 years baling hay for his neighbors around Mower County and enjoyed every bit of it.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie Ryther; children, John (Deanna) Ryther and Michelle Sanders and her significant other; stepdaughters, Mandy Nelson and Jennifer Opsahl; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Kraft; and nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lois; sister, Mary Guse; nephew, Scotty Phelps; and brother-in-law, Roger Kraft.

The funeral service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on his birthday, Monday, October 13, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.