In loving memory of

Ryan Mark Schaner
November 6, 1968 - May 14, 2017

Ryan Mark Schaners life was filled with love - love for his wife of sixteen years Rahchelle (Smith) Schaner, his profession as a geotechnical engineer, and love for mountain biking and being in the outdoors in general. It all started on November 6, 1968, in Dickinson, ND, when Pete and Gerri (Friesz) Schaner, along with their daughter Nadine (Schaner) Bird welcomed Ryan, their newborn baby boy, into the Schaner family. Ryan would start a journey into the world of professional engineering in May of 1994 when he graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelors Degree in Geological Engineering. He would go on to obtain his Professional Engineering licenses in TX, NE, KS, LA, and NM. His experience and wealth of knowledge in materials, geotechnical and environmental engineering services made him a sought after professional and consultant in his profession, but more importantly, he applied his passion and expertise to every project and client. Along the way on June 1, 2001, Ryan and Rahchelles lives would become intertwined when they took each others hand in marriage. As their love for each other grew, they would include Texas in this relationship when both of them fell in love with the Lone Star State more than a decade ago, most recently enjoying life together in the Austin area. Here, Ryan filled his personal time with mountain biking the hill country, rarely missing a weekend on the trails at Reimers Ranch followed by many enjoyable post ride meals with his wife at Chuys. Ryan loved the outdoors and all the enjoyment the birds, trees, and plants afforded him. He savored peaceful rides on his 72 Harley, and prided himself on the custom craftsmanship that was a dream come true with every trip and adventure. Tragically, on May 14, 2017, he was taken from this world and those who love him in a fatal motorcycle accident near Henly, TX.
Ryan will be remembered by those who love him most: wife Rahchelle Schaner of Austin, TX, mother and father Pete and Gerri Schaner of Bismarck, ND, sister and brother-in-law Nadine and Jim Bird of Denver, CO, mother and father-in-law Ron and Deb Smith of Melbeta, NE, and brother and sister-in-law Ryan and Jessica Smith with niece and nephew Grayson and Amelia (Millie) Smith of St Louis, MO.
If you were truly able to measure the impact that Ryans life made on those he touched both personally and professionally, you would find that there is not a scale large enough to demonstrate his skill, passion and love for life!
Remembrance services will be held on May 19th from 6-8 PM at Harrell Funeral Homes, Hwy 290 West & 100 Heritage Drive, Austin, TX 78737, 512-382-6543.

Tributes

Jeannette Friesz wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Ryan Mark Schaner"

Shelly wrote on May 23, 2018:

"I love you, Sweetie!! I miss you terribly!!"

Shelly wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"We love you, Sweetie, and miss you terribly!!!"

Bryan Rose wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Shelly, Like many who had the privilege of working with Ryan, my heart breaks for your loss. I met Ryan years ago when he worked with Rone, and it was during our time together at Kleinfelder that we became friends. I only heard recently about the accident from a colleague. I'm so sorry I had not heard sooner, as I would have preferred to have been there to pay respects and say goodbye. Though I've never had the opportunity to meet you, I learned a fair bit about you through many conversations with Ryan when the topics strayed away from work and bikes. I thought it important to share with you that your husband spoke of you often, and fondly. A smile always reached his face when he mentioned your name. It was immediately obvious how much you meant to him. He adored you, and declared himself a lucky man on many occasions. With Deepest Sympathy and Respect, Bryan Rose"

Sister Ivo Schoch wrote on May 31, 2017:

"Pete and Gerri, and family So sorry for your loss. Your Ryan what a good, talented, giving person. God Bless you, Ryan will be missed. Sister Ivo Schoch Corpus Christi Church Bismarck ND"

Nadine Bird wrote on May 25, 2017:

"Brother of mine, I miss you terribly. Your loss has put a gigantic hole in my heart. You were taken way too soon. I love you, Ryan. Love your sis, Nadine"

Sheri Davis wrote on May 23, 2017:

"Shelly, My heart is broken for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength to you. Sheri Davis"

Heather Sanderson wrote on May 20, 2017:

"We will miss you, sweet neighbor & friend! Your spirit of adventure & love of the outdoors was inspiring. It was a blessing to have you in our lives the past few years! We send our love to Shelly and all of your family who will miss you so much."

Brian Sanderson wrote on May 19, 2017:

"A solid guy, good friend and neighbor... Ryan will be missed."

brenda schmalz wrote on May 18, 2017:

"We are so sorry for your loss, I never really got to know Ryan that well but he is family and wish I could of meet him and visted with him and his family, You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Bob and Brenda Schmalz"

Sandra Vicknair wrote on May 17, 2017:

"So very sorry for your loss. Mike and Sandra Vicknair"

Linda Green wrote on May 17, 2017:

"Ryan had a wonderful personality and it was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with him. He was very dedicated to "doing things right" in regards to engineering. I learned a lot from him too. I will miss him. Linda Green"

Robert (Bobby) Wright, PE wrote on May 17, 2017:

"For five years it was my joy and privilege to serve as Ryan's colleague. Even though I am considerably older than Ryan, he taught me much about professionalism and dedication to the engineering vocation. I will miss him. Robert (Bobby) Wright, PE"