Eileen M. Ryan

1937 - 2026

St. Peter, MN - Eileen Margaret Ryan, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026 in Mankato, Minnesota. Eileen was born on August 27, 1937 in Rockville Township, Minnesota to William Henry Pauly and Clara Elizabeth (Faber) Pauly.

Eileen graduated from high school in Kimball, Minnesota in 1955, and graduated from the St. Cloud Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. After graduation as a registered nurse, she worked as a surgical nurse, a position she was very proud of. On February 27, 1965, Eileen married Donald Francis Ryan and they farmed together near St. Peter, Minnesota as they raised their family. In addition to farming, Eileen also enjoyed traveling, watching birds, playing cards, reading, and keeping up with her grandkids. Eileen was a member of Peter's Pie Ladies and Catholic Daughters. She also spent many years volunteering at the St. Peter Food Shelf.

Eileen is survived by her children Jeanine Nistler, Lisa (Jim) Widmer, Dean Ryan, Colleen (Don) Schoenecker, Carla (Tim) Gamradt, and Maureen (Dan) Pettis; daughter-in-law Liz Ryan-Prigge; grandchildren Cristina Nistler, Kelly (Chris) Frank, Kathleen (Jared Vincent) Widmer, Jennifer Widmer, Matthew Schoenecker, TJ Gamradt, Ellie Gamradt, Darby Gamradt, Mitch Pettis, MacKenzie Pettis, and Megan Ryan; great-grandchildren Rosie Frank and Marley Frank; brother Leon (Carol) Pauly; and many other relatives and friends.

Eileen is predeceased by her husband, Donald Ryan; her son, Tom Ryan; and brother David Pauly and sister-in-law Esther Pauly.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Peter in St. Peter at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.