Ralph Ryan

Ralph Lawrence Ryan, 85, of Red Wing, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 8, 1938, in Cannon Falls Township, Goodhue County to Lawrence and Susie (Roisum) Ryan. He graduated from Red Wing High School in 1956, and continued his education at Winona State Teachers College and graduated from University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. For six months he taught at New Richmond Elementary before being drafted in the US Army. He served from 1962-1964. He returned to Red Wing following his discharge and on August 13, 1966, he was united in marriage to Cathy Benda. They had two children, Shawn and Heather. He taught at Sunnyside school for 22 years before coming a realtor working for various realtors in the Red Wing area up until his retirement.

Ralph was a member of the Church of St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus, Red Wing Elks BPOE #845, Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54, Red Wing Kiwanis, Red Wing Collectors Society and the USGA. His passion was golfing and he was a member of the Red Wing Golf Club where he won club champion 10 times. He volunteered for many groups and organizations in Red Wing including, the Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing Area Food Shelf and the City of Red Wing. He was a people person and enjoyed visiting with whomever he met. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Cathy; two children, Shawn (Mary) Ryan of Red Wing and Heather (Robert Cumming) Ryan of Hudson, WI; six grandchildren; one sister, Monica Jensen of Cedar Falls, IA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Brandon Theisen presiding. Burial with full military honors will be at the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church one hour prior to the Mass.