"Seems like yesterday ??'""
Ryan Dale Oetken, 33, of Cartersville, Georgia, formerly of Mediapolis, entered Heaven on April 7, 2013.
Born May 26, 1979 in Burlington, Iowa he is the son of Ronald and Janet Schwerin Oetken.
He was a 1997 graduate of Mediapolis High School and a 2006 Summa Cum Laude, University of Iowa graduate.
Ryan worked as a Quality Engineer Manager for Shaw Industries in Cartersville, Georgia. He was an AVID Iowa Hawkeyes football fan. Ryan and his son Caelin loved to spend weekends together and challenge each other at a game of paintball.
Survivors include his parents, Ronald and Janet Oetken of Burlington; son, Caelin Dale Oetken of Cartersville, GA; brother, Todd Oetken of Burlington; sister, Railynne and John Brown of Spring, TX; paternal grandmother, Virginia Oetken of Burlington and mother of his son, Tabitha McMurren.
He was joined in death by his sister Julaine and preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elmer and Lillian Schwerin and paternal grandfather, Warren Oetken.
The funeral service for Ryan will be held at Lunning Chapel, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18th, with the Rev. Dean Moberg officiating. Interment will be in Kossuth Cemetery, Mediapolis. Friends may visit from noon until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17th, with family receiving friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.
A memorial has been established for Caelin's college fund.
"Seems like yesterday ??'""
"Miss you sweet friend!!!"
"I was fortunate to have worked with Ryan, but for a very brief time. Even so Ryan left a big impression. I am very saddened to hear that he has left us so soon. Ryan seemed so proud when he spoke to me of his sister. My heart is crying for Ryan' family. God bless."
"The world has suffered a huge loss! Words can't describe what Ryan meant to so many people. I've never met someone as upbeat and positive ALL THE TIME like Ryan was. God bless you Ryan! We miss you."
"Ryan was an amazing person, truly one of a kind. His humor, kindness, and passion for life was evident in everything he did and it was an inspiration to me. He was great to work with and I am a better person for having known him. He is truly missed. My prayers go out to the Oetken family, God bless all of you."
"When we had a moment of silence for Ryan at work we were asked to share our memories of him. The thing about Ryan that stands out most to me was his INFECTIOUS personality and smile. He was always friendly and smiling. He was a blessing to so many here at Plant 15 and will be missed ALWAYS. RIP Ryan."
"Ryan was always so funny.The part I like best is when we had pride day and Ryan would dress up crazy and dance. He was always very entertaining.Had a great sense of humor.We will miss you and your smile."
"Ryan was my supervisor during his rise at shaw and i enjoyed working for him he was was a very bright and funny guy im going to miss ryan alot. We use to talk about sports alot and he truly love iowa no matter what there record was. My prayers goes out to his entire family much love!!! "
"First met Ryan when he and Bob Cary interviewed me for employment at Plant 15. I was on time but as usual Ryan was late and could never get my name right as he called me Robert,Bob or Steven.Found out we had something in common, both of us at one time had worked for The Hon Co. he at the Oak St. Plant in Muscatine and I at the Cedartown facility.I will always be grateful to Ryan and Bob for taking a chance on me and giving me a job when others would not.May God bless the Oetkin family and grant them peace."
""
"I am still lost for words and struggling with our lost! My prayers go out to the family of Ryan. I'm probably repeating something that someone else have said, but Ryan will be greatly missed! He helped Jim Monroe interview me when I started at shaw. After the interview I knew then that he was an amazing individual, I left that room with a smile on my face! From that day to the last time I spoke with my dear friend he kept a smile on my face no matter what. I had the pleasure of working 6years with Ryan an I will always remember him for his outstanding personality! I could continue to talk about him because he has left a lot of memories with me. Ryan from one friend to another...I love you an will truly miss you! Rest in Heaven until we meet again...! "
"Ryan was a good person with a good heart. He wanted to make sure that he made everyone laugh....at all times. He was a friend to everyone... a friend to me. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. He had the " Can do attitude " about work.... more importantly, he had that in life. Thanks for good memories Ryan, I will never forget you."
"One of my most favourite projects with you was 'Getting you a live baby tiger from Africa for a pet' planning on how to trick the mommy tiger was hilarious. You should have waited for us to see the project go through. Ryan, you lived your life to the fullest. That is what counts. "
"I had the privilege to work with Ryan. He always made me laugh even if I didn't feel like it. He was one of a kind."
"I only knew Ryan for a short time but he was the kind of person that instantly made you feel like you had been friends forever. I can only pray that God be with you and your family."
"Ryan was an remarkable manager who was always smiling and upbeat, sad to say he will be missed by us all. Ryan your memory lives on in our hearts until we all meet again. May God bless your family."
"Teaching you Swahili was not easy, when you discovered 'Google translate' the jokes were endless, wrong pronunciation and improper grammar. I hope heaven has baby lions; the only thing you always reminded me to bring back for you. You will live on in our hearts and memories. "
"While I didn't know Ryan personally, I was very close friends with Julaine from our days at Culver and beyond. I know she loved her brother very much! My deepest condolences to the entire family over your heartbreaking loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort now and always. "
"It's just about time for our moment of silence for Ryan, and his funeral will start soon. As we look back at our short time with Ryan we did see certain unique qualities about him. His management approach was one of passion and intellegence, compassion and understanding. He was very professional and at the same time very witty, always ready with a quick comeback. No matter his mood he was always smiling and always treated us with respect. He will be greatly be missed and always remembered! Rest in peace until we see you again, John 5:28... "
"Ryan was a excellent person active good atitude strong very intelligent he always ready to perform his job I will miss you Ryan you was the best person I ever meet."
"Ryan, your passing has left a large space in the hearts of so many. I miss your passion and enthusiasm for everything that you did. I miss seeing your big smile every day. I miss the conversations we used to have, about everything from your beloved Hawkeyes to just whatever mattered, or didn't really matter, at the moment. Your can-do attitude, special sense of humor, and overall positive vibe are rare combinations. You were, and are, an inspiration to me in so many ways. Thank you for being in our lives. We are all much better for knowing you."
"Ryan, you will be sadly missed, not only was you my Manager, but you were also my friend. Kansas city will miss you this year also, because you were the only one in the plant besides myself who would say we are going to get them this year! I love you Ryan!"
"I've known Ryan since he first came to Shaw as a team manager and couldn't help but to like the guy. Ryan had a way of dealing with people that would leave a lasting impression on whoever he met. It wasn't until recently that i had a chance to actually work for Ryan, that I was able to actually witness his amazing passion for anything that he does. Ryan was one that didn't really settle for mediocrity, didn't make excuses, and always pushed me to do better. His drive was somewhat contagious, and if it wasn't he had other ways of getting more out of you than you ever wanted to give. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such a person, my condolences goes out to his family."
"It really has been a pleasure working with Ryan over the last year or so. Not only was he a good co-worker, but also a friend. You couldn't help but become his friend. He had one of the best personalities and worked well with my group. I don't remember a conversation with him where I wasn't laughing. He is truly missed and cannot be replaced. Ryan, I miss ya buddy!"
"Ryan was a great person, co-worker and friend. Always had a kind word and smile for everyone, he is greatly missed, but will forever live in our hearts. "
" God is there through the sunshine and he's there through the rain. God is there through the good days and he's there through the pain! He is right there beside us to comfort and to cheer, and he will never leave us as long as to him we stay near! We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness. With deep sympathy from co\workers and friends. You're in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers. Rest In Peace Ryan you are missed. Hugh & Dale Parten "
"Ryan was my friend and felt like part of my family.He was caring and thoughtful. Ryan will always have a place in my heart.I am without words for his loss and give my condolences to the Oetken family.Rest in peace Ryan and one day we will meet again. "
"I had the pleasure of working with Ryan for the past 5 years. Ryan was somebody you always knew you could count on. Ryan's passion for everything he did, positive attitude and tremendous work ethic will be missed. I will really miss those Iowa recruiting updates. My prayers go out to the Oetken family. "
"I first met Ryan when I joined the Diversity Council about a year ago, and in talking to him found out we were both from Iowa. Every time we saw each other, we would bring up memories of growing up there. He was one of the most down to earth and caring people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. You will always be in our hearts! "
"After working with/for Ryan, there were two things that stood out to me. First was Ryan's incredible work ethic. Ryan would come in early or stay late to make sure that a task was completed. He explained to me that this work ethic came directly from his family. The second thing was Ryan was this big, tough, "larger than life" guy, but he was incredibly compassionate. Ryan cared deeply about not only his family and friends, but also wanted to make sure that the associates in his department were treated fairly and in the right way. I'll miss working with Ryan and especially will miss our friendship."
"Ryan was a great coworker. You can always count on him for getting things done and loved having him as part of my team. I got to know Ryan on a personal level through Brandon Y., my fiance. He was such a good friend to him and I admired him for that. He was always full of energy and always made us laugh. I will never forget our latest memories at Dave & Busters and trivia nights. You will be missed. Prayers to your family."
"Ryan and I started at Shaw 15 on the same day back in 2006. We had to go to new salaried employee orientation at the same time. Ryan kept the class rolling the whole time. He was that way from the first day I saw him to the last day I saw him. He was so kind to the young Engineers that came from China. He made them feel at home here and went out of his way to befriend them. When he would come in my office area to see them I would laugh so hard I would cry..literally. He was sooo funny! We have certainly lost a great friend, co-worker and human being on Planet Earth. Hoping to see you again when my time comes. God Bless you - Ryan and your family!"
"Ryan was a pleasure to have for a boss. He never walked by without a smile or wave. He was easy to talk to and always full of life and eager to learn all he could. He will be missed a lot."
"Ryan, My dear friend You are so lovely ,so funny , so nice, so handsome,so friendly....... We had a very good time with you at Cartersvill. We spent the Christmas day with your family, that was wonderful for us. That was the first time for us to spent the Christmas day in America. You left , broken my heart. I will miss you for ever. I love you, man. Hope you have good time in heaven with God."
"Ryan was someone that if you were having a bad day he could make you start feeling better about your self the moment he started talking to you. He was truly a amazing person that I will miss and never forget. Thanks for being True."
"Ryan was a good human being and great person to work with. He always had something funny to say. My condolences to the Oetken family. Rest in peace Ryan. You will be missed Ray Miley"
"I miss your smiling face and you turning my computer off EVERY day. It isn't the same here without you! "
"You were much more then just a manager to me. You were a great friend as well and you always had my back. I will miss you always pronouncing my name wrong on purpose when you knew how to really pronounce it. I appreciate the inspiration and the talks that we had. I will use every bit of the words you left with me to climb as high as i possibly can. Thanks."
"I was shocked to hear that you pasted Ryan. i saw your double on TV the same hair cut,face and smile. It is hard to belive that you are gone."
"Ryan was an excellent co-worker and human being. What I remember the most was his compassion, his charisma, and his unique sense of humor when dealing with others. I also remember how much love his Tile Cutting employees had for him and how sad they were when he moved into his new QE role. I will miss our debates about Football being called Soccer. I am sure that if there's a "Soccer" team in heaven you will be wearing the #10 jersey :) Buen viaje amigo querido. Nos vemos al otro lado del silencio. Tavo"
"I will miss your smile and big hugs. I was always so glad to get to see you when you came home. You have made all of us proud. Loved you lots. Aunt Bev and Uncle Dennis. "
"Ryan, my BFFL, you were a great co-worker & close friend. I knew when I was first introduced to you, you were someone special with your mischievous smile, witty charm & strong work ethic. In the short time I have gotten to know you, I've enjoyed every moment of our friendship. I've never met anyone quite like you. I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of your life. You will be in my heart forever. Your charisma has touched everyone in your path & have left a legacy that will never be forgotten. I hope there is a nice comfortable bed in heaven for you since you did not get to enjoy your new bed. Btw-Go Hawkeyes (I still owe you a shirt)! I miss our daily phone calls, gchats & texts. One day we will meet again & pick up where we left off. I miss you so much...it's just not the same w/o you! I am heartbroken knowing you are no longer here. It was just Saturday afternoon when I last heard from you. I was devastated when I heard the news. My heart goes out to your family, especially your son Caelin. R.I.P. BFFL "
"Ryan was a great friend and coworker. he would always find a way to brighten your day. he loved to make you laugh. i remember he would always come up with the best Halloween costume to wear to work like when he dressed up as a women and came strutting his stuff through the plant. i am going to miss him very much as a friend and a coworker. "
"What began as an engineering co-op student from Georgia working for a Tile Cutting department manager from Iowa blossomed into an amazing friendship. Ryan was smart and worked hard but I will remember him for his loyalty and competitiveness. This loyalty and competitive spirit led him to work and study hard when others would have given up. We shared a competitive spirit and pushed each other on a daily basis starting in the plant, moving to the gym, and even progressing into each other's personal lives. I'm a better person having known Ryan and I will never be the same without him. Thanks for everything "DUDE"! Go HAWKEYES!! "
"My son Tanner is good friends with Ryan and Tabitha's son Caelin here in Cartersville, Ga...my heart goes out to friends and family of Ryan and his sister...to you all that are grieving and hurting please know that Tanner and his family wish you comfort & peace..."
"I will never forget the tow headed boy with the sunburned skin who so loved to be outdoors and fish with his Grandpa. The twinkle in your eyes may be gone, but everyone who knew you will remember the light you brought to their lives. Rest in peace, dear Ryan, and know that you will be missed by so many. My love and condolences to your parents and all your family. Patricia Oetken"
"Ryan was the best drivers ed partner on the trip to burlington. He got to drive the second part of the trip which was all in town. He was honking, and hollering out the window at girls, trying to get mr mclatchie to let him go down snake alley and mostly embarrassing all of us. Im not sure if i ever laughed so hard. Julaine and my sister were best friends so i always knew he had my back. After reading these posts, its nice knowing he made a positive impact later in life."
""
"One of the last times I ran into Ryan was in the coffee room at Shaw, literaly, at least no coffee was spilled. He was such a nice young man, always jovial and really cared about people. He wished me luck in my retirement. I would also like to share with everyone, something I was reminded of by a very dear friend. This is something I told him many years ago:: "Never miss an opportunity to show how much you care about people in your life". People we work with become a part of our family & when they are no longer present it hurts. God Bless, Mary Zimmer "
"Ryan, I remember you as a ornery little kid, with that tousle of blond hair and sparkling eyes. You always had the ability to think things up and to lead others. We always hoped for the best for you, but you exceeded our expectations. We are proud of the young man you became and will always remember you with love."
"My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ryan. You can't think of Ryan without picturing that smile! It is a tragedy that the world no longer has you in it. We can only begin to understand what we have lost in you. "
"I had the honor and privilage to work with Ryan and also to share with him unforgettable moments.
He redefine the management concept with his hard work (tireless),daily positive attitude, leadership and endless energy.
His humility was inspirational to us, he listened and support everyone and worked hard 100% to achieve company goals without forget his employees needs.
His enthusiasm and optimism to make people laugh was contagious, I remember 5 years ago when I went to Jim office (I feel like was yesterday) and I mention "we have a young person that is an incredible professional and an extraordinary human being, he is a Real Asset to this corporation" Jim agreed!!!
Ryan Im missing you my dear friend."
"Over the past 6 years, I have watched Ryan grow as a person and as a professional. He started out working for me as a team manager. He was quickly promoted to associate IE, to department manager, and then to QE manager. I was amazed by all of the things that Ryan was able to accomplish. I was looking forward to seeing him accomplish much more. Ryan always had a smile and could tell the funniest jokes. Ryan, I miss you already. The Shaw family misses you. You will always be in our hearts and minds. To Ryan's family, thanks for sharing Ryan with us. May God bless you and give you peace."
"Ryan was my boss, but I also considered him as my friend. I didn't get to see him as much as I did because he had gotten moved to a different department. He would tell me that he was going to give me a bad review if I didn't start keeping my gray in my hair colored. I really enjoyed working with Ryan over the years he was an inspiration to me and many others. Ryan you will be greatly missed, but you are in our hearts. GOD BLESS"
"I will always remember Ryan's ability to make everyone in the room laugh....school would not have been as much fun without him. Rest in Peace my friend and keep everybody in heaven laughing...."
"I had the pleasure of working with Ryan over the past 6 years. I knew from the moment I met him in Financial Systems that he was truly an extraordinary person. He added energy, passion and joy to everything he did. He moved into several different roles while at Shaw and was successful in all of them. I don't think there is anything he couldn't do! I will miss his mischievous smile, his strutting down the hall, even his harassment when in class. Most of all, I will miss his friendship! He made this crazy world a better place! I can't express how much he will be missed. He has left a void that no one will ever be able to fill. I love ya Ryan! To his family - I'm praying for you everyday."
"Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work with Ryan. He was so much fun to be around and always smiling and joking around. I don't think there was ever a dull moment with him. He was always energetic and brought that into everything he did. I have never met anyone that could glance over a facilitator guide then teach a class as if he has taught it for 20 years. He was an awesome person and I will miss my "otter" friend."
"Ryan was more to me that a manager. I truly thought of him as a friend. He gave me so much advice and confidence that I could do anything I put my mind to at work and the gym. It was just last week him and Elmer were ganging up on me about Alabama sports (The fact that I only care about Alabama Football) He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I looked up to him so much, and I am saddened by the fact that I will not hear "Bobby Ray" "Bob" or any of his other many names for me. I am honored that I knew you and so many things you taught me will carry with me for the rest of my life. Until we meet again- I love you bro! and Roll Hawkeyes!!!! "
"I remember when Fleurette and I hired him several years ago (and yet it seems like yesterday). He was always so thankful that we gave him a shot and hired him. We were thankful too. I had many conversations with him over the years and I recall the ones where he talked about family with a smile. He recalled with great fondness different memories from his childhood - working on the farm, or fishing with his dad. I will especially miss his rambunctious nature. Rest In Peace my friend."
"Hi Man, You are so lovely ,so funny , so nice, so handsome. We had a very good time with you at Cartersvill. We spent the Christmas day with your family, that was wonderful for us. That was the first time for us to spent the Christmas day in America. You left , broken my heart. I will miss you for ever. I love you, man. Hope you have good time in heaven with God. "
"I can't find the words to say what he means to me. He had a true gift to make life a little more enjoyable for everyone he came in contact with. He could make me laugh on my worst days. The kind of laugh that makes your side hurt and leaves you gasping for air. Today it's not my side that hurts but my heart. I miss you so very much my friend."
"Ryan Oetken, I sit here just wondering what more you would of accomplished in your life time if given the opportunity. You were an inspiration to me to overcome your past and make something bad into good. You were one of the smartest people I have met in my life but you acted like you weren't. You joke daily, but you took your job seriously. You worked long and hard hours only to finish the day off spending time with your family and friends with little hours of sleep. You were a family member not just a friend. I miss you every day since the day you left."
"we have lost a wonderful person who was full of life. ryan was a very dear friend of mine, i will miss him greatly. he was always ready to have a laugh or try to give you one if you were down. i'm so sad he is no longer around. life will not be the same. love you rye. "
"Although Ryan and I were from the same small town in Iowa, I didn't know Ryan until he came to Shaw. During the six years I have known him he has touched so many lives by showing compassion, trust, and caring all served up with an unbelievable dose of humor. Ryan always filled me in on his trips to Iowa. The one thing that was a constant in our conversations was how he enjoyed spending time with his family and how much they were loved. I feel honored to have known such a fine man as Ryan. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ryan and Julaine. I will pray for their family and all who's lives were touched by them. "
"I am so glad that i had the privilege of knowing Ryan. Working in security, I had almost daily contact with Ryan. He was always friendly, caring, and respectful. He will me missed by all who knew him and all who came into contact with him. "
"Ryan Dale, that's what I will always remember you as and call you. I haven't seen you alot in our adult years but always knew what you were up to from your sister. To me you will always be the little brother with blond hair and freckles tormenting Julaine and I when I spent the night at their house. Ryan I know Julaine was your biggest support and fan! Rest in peace Ryan..."
"I have not met many people with as much energy as Ryan. He gave everything 100%. He was tenacious and appeared to be tireless. His passion and competitive nature energized me. I worked with Ryan in many different roles over the past 6 years. He had so much potential and could fill a wide variety of roles. He was eager to learn and always kept a positive attitude. He was quick witted and brought fun to every situation. Ryan lived a 'big' life. It's a joy to be around bigger-than-life people. They lift your spirit. Sadly they leave big holes when they leave. I miss Ryan. My world is smaller. "
"I didn't know Ryan in adulthood, but always knew that Julaine was a tremendous support to him throughout life. They stuck together! In reading all of these tributes, it is quite obvious he was an amazing man. I wish I would have known him more. Love to you all. "
"Oh Ryan, my fondest memory...there are a few, but the one that sticks out right now was freshman year Homecoming. You and I stuffed in the back of Tony Lamberts SUV, going to Perkins, and just having a great time. There were alot of other good memories, but that night I laughed so much and so hard, my stomach hurt even the next morning. I was SO proud of you and how you turned things around and was successful, doing great, being a great dad. You were just like your sister, always finding the "silver lining" to things, and eager to make those around you laugh and have fun. I will miss you but I will carry my memories forever. Rest in peace, and know that your family and friends will take care of things here on Earth...until we meet again my friend. "
"Ryan will be missed by all of us here at Shaw. He was a nice person and always wore a smile. I'm so sorry for the familys loss of their two family members."
"Ryan was a true character!! He was one of a kind and a joy to be around. He could brighten up any room. We have shared many laughs and lots of trash talking. Ryan you are missed by many. Rest in heaven my friend!! To the family....I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. "
" Dear Ryan's Family I was deeply saddened on Monday to learn of Ryan's death. We had worked together at Shaw for a number of years ago and had kept in touch on an infrequent basis since that time. Ryan was a rather unique person to be in this business. He was a very gentleman. He had a marvelous appreciation of the ludicrous and special ability to sit back and chuckle over things that would drive the rest of our team to meet high goals. He was able to argue with reason rather than emotion. And, he took the ''wins'' and ''loses'' with equal grace. During his stay here at Shaw, he made many friends and over the past months after his transfer from our department would still spare sometime and pass by to say hello and chat. In addition to his working/professional achievements he was always thoughtful towards his colleagues, and everyone enjoyed working with him. Ryan often spoke fondly of his family and our thoughts are with you all at this time of sadness. "
"Ryan could make just about anybody laugh, I loved how carefree he could be. I have alot of memories of Ryan throughout our school years, and most of them with him with a smile on his face and laughter in his eyes. Thanks for making us laugh, Ryan. "
"Ryan u were more than a boss u were my friend. U always knew how to make laugh when I was having a bad day. U taught me a lot about how to do my job but also about life. Ryan there will never be another like u I'm so thankful for u!! My prayers are with ur family!!! R.I.P. sweetie"
"I am so glad that i had the privilege of knowing you. You were such a funny and outgoing guy. I don't think that I have ever seen you without a smile on your face and you always had a story to tell. I am going to miss seeing you around."
"Ryan always look out for his teams and he love to brag about his team...He always picked on me about the sleever ...he will be missed by friends "
"Ryan was a one in a million. I loved his tenacity. I will always remember the way you took care of your teams, and anyone who knew you. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to have worked with you. To the Oetken family I am truly sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you all."
"It was a pleasure knowing Ryan. My family miss him like crazy already. The memories of Ryan will live on forever in my heart. My husband's Poker parties will not be the same without Ryan. When I first met him I informed him that I was old enough to be his Mama. Instant Friendship from that point on. My prayers go out to the Oetken Family. Out of Body in with Christ. "
"Ryan, thank you for your friendship to Jim.....may you rest in peace."
"Ryan and I didn't always see eye to eye on things, but I had a deep respect for his intelligence. He had a big personality, and was almost always in a jovial mood. I just talked to him Friday, and he was joking around as usual. I am praying for his family during this horrible time."
"I can honestly say I knew Ryan like no other. My mother looked at him like a son, and I as a brother. I've had many experiences. Was with this guy 24/7 growing up as a kid. I'm proud of the way he was able to turn his life around, he defied the odds. The man was a genius, smartest man I've ever met. He had a way with words, no matter what the situation, he had a way of making others feel things would turn out in favor. To call him my best friend wouldn't even give justice, this guy was a brother of mine and will be forever missed and Loved. If there is something after, I sure hope to share another day with you in the future my brother. "
"You will be missed, he was always good to me, God bless to his family. So sad for the lose of your son and daughter, my preys are with you all "
"Ryan was a great guy with a great heart. The last time I spoke with him was that Friday, never though it would be the last time that I would see or speak with him again. He will greatly missed here at Plant 15. He always had a way of making you laugh no matter what mood you were in. My Prayers go out to his family, MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU "
"It's not going to be the same without him! I'm going to miss walking by him saying what's up BOO! He was the same everyday I saw him for the past 5 1/2 years and that was making everybody smile! Heaven has truly gained an awesome ANGEL! Love Always Ya Boo!"
"I'm going to miss are high fives in the hall way, I will truly miss you"
"Ryan was a very special person he will be missed but never forgotton. You can feel the emptiness at shaw each day. Keep them all smileing."
"Ryan I am really going to miss you!! You treated me like I was your sister a you was like a bestfriend to me. I will always remember you...you keep everyone smiling all the time."
"Ryan was such a wonderful person to be around always keep a smile on my face. Always there when you need him I am going to miss you "
"Ryan was a great friend of mine, I've known him for years. He went to college at Iowa a Big ten rival to my roots which is Michigan. I love ryan and I'll miss him."
"Ryan was an exceptional person, he was always smiling ,always talking about the hawkeyes, he could really tell some stories and kept you laughing, he was a great assess to plant 15. I think we all learned something from Ryan. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, You will be greatly missed."
"Ryan was such a great person to be around. He could light up a room just by being in it, filling it with laughter. He encouraged people to not only strive for goals but to achieve them. Ryan was always only a phone call away if I ever needed him. You will be missed "Dude". To his parents, son, brother and sister--you are all in my prayers and heart. It was an honor and privilege to know Ryan."
"I have only known Ryan a lil over a year but from the first time he warned me about my cell I thought he was pretty cool and everyday since he always gave me a hard time about it. It is also hard to believe he is gone I knw he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. You will be missed by family, friends, co-workers, pretty much anyone that knows you."
"It still does not seem real that a dear friend, mentor and coworkers life has been cut short in the prime of his life. Everyone who knew Ryan were blessed to have had a bond with him. He was so instrumental in numerous award winning products because of his think tank can do attitude. To his Parents, Brother, and Son, My thoughts and prayers are and have been with you. Psalm 30:5"
"Ryan was an exceptional person with a magnetic personality. You could not help but to like him, I will never forget his smile and silly ways that always made me laugh. My thoughts an prayers are with you all."
"We will miss Ryan very much in scheduling at Plant 15. I talked with him on Friday morning and as always he was joking around and always had a smile on his face. He was an up and coming young man and would have went far in his career here. It breaks my heart for such a young man to lose his life. We can be glad that he did it doing a noble thing to help his sister. We will love you and miss you as a friend. God Bless your entire family."
"To my friend Ryan - You died doing the right thing for someone else, what a special thing to be about to say about yourself!!! I feel truly honored to call you a friend. You are loved, missed and will never be forgotten. Thank you for touching my life, my husbands life and my sons life!!!! With heavy hearts we say goodbye!!!"
"I have been struggling with the right way to express my feelings for Ryan or how devastated I am that I will never talk to my friend or see him smile or for him to make me laugh. Ryan was an amazing guy. I loved Ryan not only as my supervisor but my friend as well. I will truly miss him. Words cannot describe how I feel. Ryan you will be surely be missed by all who knew you cause you were the kind of person that touched the lives of the people you came in contact with. I cannot believe I will never get to see you again or hear you tell a joke. I will miss you buddy "
"I will miss Ryan with all my heart. We had some unbelievable times together. When I left Ga. I was looking forward to staying in touch with him and having a long lasting relationship with him. Words cannot describe how devestated I am. I love you Ryan. Jim."
"Ryan gave me a job at a time when I really needed one. He was extremely intelligent and good at hid job. He was a natural leader that people at work looked to automatically for instruction. I am thankful for the opportunity he provided me. "
"I worked for Ryan for about four years. Ryan was an amazing mentor to me and taught me so much. Many days I came to work stressed and Ryan always found a way to make me laugh. He was a good boss, a great friend, and an all around wonderful person. He will be missed by many, but more importantly remembered by the ones he touched. Thank you Ryan for everything. "
"Ryan and I trained together at the gym almost every day for 3 years. My whole family got the chance to know him and befriend him. His was a life filled with potential that was just really beginning to open to him. He was my friend...I will miss him."