Caledonia Argus

Posted: 11/17/03

Richard Ryan

Richard W. Ryan, 66, of Mabel, MN, died Thursday, November 13, 2003 at the St. Anne Nursing Home in Winona from complications of a head injury suffered in an accident in April, 2002.

Richard was born February 5, 1937 in Spring Grove to Selmer and Frances (Lee) Ryan. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1955 and then attended agricultural classes at the University of Minnesota. He returned to Mabel to help on the family farm. Starting in 1961, for ten years, he worked at Delta Import Motors as a mechanic/service manager.

On August 13, 1961 he married Louise Benjamin in Hutchinson, MN. In 1964 they moved to Hokah where he also raised hogs, tuned pianos, and eventually did mechanic work there specializing in foreign automobiles. He was a co-owner of Severtson Motors Volvo dealership in Rochester until its closing. In 1990 he moved back to Mabel where he resided until he was injured while helping others at an accident.

Richard was a very talented musician and played the banjo, coronet, cello, string bass, and alto horn, which he played in many area communities. He was interested in Shakespeare and attended the American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI. He was also known for raising exotic birds and animals, and for his daily travels in his Ford Model T. Richard had been a member in the Windjammers Unlimited Inc., the LaCrosse Symphony Orchestra, the Winona Symphony, Viola da gamba Society, Minnesota Fowl and Wildlife Association, the Sports Car Club of America, American Motorcycle Association, the Chatfield Brass Band, Minnesota Public Radio, the Piano Tuners Guild, the Association of Concert Bands, and DaCapo Band of LaCrosse.

Richard is survived by his wife Louise of Mabel; three sons Kevin (Heidi) of Winona, James (Brenda) of Preston, and Ole of Minneapolis; three daughters Karen of Minneapolis, Rhonda (Troy) Greenberg of Beloit, WI, and Joleen (Nathan) Mitchell of Groton, CT; eleven grandchildren; a brother David (Judy) of New Brighton, MN; and a sister Joan (David) Nagel of Winnebago, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be 1 pm Wednesday, November 19, at the Mabel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gordon Langmade, of Brooklyn Park, officiating. Burial will be in the Newburg Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Tuesday, November 19 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.

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