Donald Ray Ryan

Donald Ray Ryan, 81 of Aitkin, formerly of New Brighton died on July 21, 2019 at his home.  He was born on December 11, 1937 in St. Paul to John and Hazel (Jensen) Ryan.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran.  Don married Nancy Hamilton on September 20, 1969 in St. Paul.  He was a retired employee of Brown-Wilbert Vault Company with 40 years of service.  He was also a retired New Brighton Fireman.  Don was a member of Our Lady of Fatima in Garrison.

Don is survived by his wife Nancy; two sons, Craig (Chris) Ryan of Hugo and John Ryan of Hurley, WI; three daughters, Carrie (Tim) Christen of Elk River, Chris (Neil) Cronquist of Blaine and Pamela (Mark) Senden of New Brighton; two sisters, Dolores (Dennis) VanSloun of Minnetonka and Joanne Nelson of Shoreview; ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Preceding Don in death are his parents; one brother, John “Jackie” Ryan and two sisters, Ellen Nelson and Alice Ryan.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Garrison. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. On Friday, July 26, 2019 a Celebration of Life will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the New Brighton Eagles Club ( 563 Old Highway 8 NW) followed by  burial at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in New Brighton at 12:00 p.m. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.