William “Bill” Michael Ryan, age 88, of Land O’Lakes passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born on May 4, 1936, to Arthur and Cordelia Ryan in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He was the sixth born of ten children and the oldest son.
Billy grew up in Rice Lake where he met and married his first wife, Mary Jane, and they had two daughters.
After their divorce, he moved to the Northwoods in the summer of 1968 where he met Diane “Tiny” Sulstrom and they were married on April 19, 1969. They had three daughters whom they raised in Phelps.
Bill worked in construction building homes for the majority of his working years. He also worked as a caretaker for a property in Phelps for many years, and later on as a courtesy driver for Parsons and the Commission on Aging.
Bill loved to socialize and keep busy. Everyone who knew him enjoyed his keen sense of humor and quick wit; always with a joke and a smile. Bill was a member of the Phelps Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years which he prided himself on.
He was also well known for working as a pen tender for area fishing tournaments over the years. He enjoyed Tiny’s cooking, reading, watching westerns, and following all Wisconsin sports teams. A true Irishman, he did like his “occasional” happy hour with the guys. His family was very important to him and spending time with his daughters, grandkids and great grandkids.
Bill is survived by his wife, Diane “Tiny” Ryan of Land O’Lakes; five daughters, Diana (Mark) Killian of Minocqua, Billie Jo (Leonard) Cirese of Phelps, Marie (Tim Brod) Ryan of Eagle River, Sandy (Jim) Ramharter of Chippewa Falls, and Jane Ryan of Rice Lake; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Nicholas, Nathan, Samuel, Olivia, Isabel, Hunter and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings, Leona (Jim) Lucas of Rice Lake, James (Sharon) Ryan of Eau Claire and Kay (Wayland) Rahm of Chetek.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and one brother.
Per Bill’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. His family will be having a private celebration of life to raise a toast in his name.
The family would like to thank Seasons of Life Hospice House and staff for their wonderful care and compassion.
Bill will be deeply missed, but we will always remember the twinkle in his eye and his amazing sense of humor. He was definitely one of a kind!
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
PAID OBITUARY
