James Henry Ryan, “Jim” age 85 of Loretto, Minnesota passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020. He fought through many health problems in his life, but coronavirus infection was his final battle.
He was born July 11, 1934 to Henry James and Signe Deborah (Engen) Ryan in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the youngest of four children born to immigrants from Ireland, Sweden, and Norway. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1952 and went on to a career in computer analytics. He married the love of his life Delores Mary Pouliot on May 7, 1966 and they went on to raise six children. He retired from MTS Systems Corporation in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and then helped his wife Delores, run their Tom Thumb gas station and convenience store in Corcoran, Minnesota for several more years.
Jim was passionate about his family and about his Catholic Faith. To outsiders, he was a quiet, gentle, and hardworking family man. To his family, he was a strong, loving, faithful, and encouraging husband and father. He was always good in a crisis and great at giving advice. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and prayed for all of them daily. His mission in life was to raise faith filled children who would make a difference in the world. He specifically wanted an electrician, carpenter, plumber, teacher, and doctor in the family (He got four out of five).
Jim loved gardening, playing cards, watching birds, spending time with his children and grandchildren, eating Delores’ cooking, and being active in his church. Jim is responsible for many family memories like the “accidental” goat acquisition that led to years of drinking goat milk, a few crazy family vacations, a brief but memorable bee keeping hobby, his famous salmon loaf, and the ordering of WAY too many chickens one year. He was generally happiest at home, with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his father Henry James Ryan, his mother Signe Deborah Ryan Robertus, sister Carol Clarkin, sister Lorraine Robillard, sister Doris Onyshuk, and daughter-in law Stacey Ryan.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of almost 54 years, Delores Mary Ryan, Children: Terry Ryan, Amy (Steve) Gallus, Tim (Karen) Ryan, Tom Ryan, Ann (Bruce) Seagren, and Mary Ryan, Grandchildren: Josh Gallus (23), Karli (Corey Heitz) Ryan (22), Zac Gallus (21), James Ryan (21), Emma Ryan (19), Joey Ryan (17), Jake Ryan (16), Ben Gallus (15), Greta Seagren (8), Grady Seagren (6), and Holly Ryan (2), many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Due to the CoVid 19 virus, a private graveside Christian Rite occurred at the Ss Peter and Paul Cemetery in Loretto, Minnesota. A memorial Mass is anticipated when the restrictions are removed. Memorials preferred to Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Loretto, MN, the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato, MN, and Saint Therese of New Hope, MN.