Richard Rollin Ryen

Richard Rollin Ryen, formerly of Des Moines, died peacefully on Tuesday May 15, 2012 at the Coventry Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Coventry, RI. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2 in the Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street in Nevada with Pastor Myron Herzberg officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Slater. "Dick" Ryen was born on August 16, 1932 in Ames to Willard D. and Edith (Berhow) Ryen. He attended Drake University and was in the Naval Reserve stationed in Long Beach, CA. On November 3, 1958, Richard married to Sara Jane Liggett in Cleveland, OH and moved his young family to Oradell, NJ in 1963 to embark on a career at McGraw Hill Publishing. In the early 70's he started his own company representing 50+ publishers and selling directly to bookstores from New York to Maryland. Richard was a devoted member of the Oradell community. He was a member of the Reformed Church of Oradell, a Little League coach, formed the first Pee Wee Football League and enjoyed his time at the Hackensack Golf Club. Richard is survived by his two loving daughters, Stacey (Don) Sheehan and Betsy (Paul Cohen) Ryen; daughter-in-law ...[more]

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orah Ryen; seven grandchildren Catie, Rick, and Sara Jean Sheehan, Jack and Caroline Cohen, Rebecca and Richard Ryen. Richard is also survived by his sister, Cynthia (Dick) Settle of Nevada; a brother Herb Ryen; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sally in February of 1993, a son, Richard Jr. "Chip" in October of 2007 and his brother Doug in 1983. The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service in the lounge of the church. Donations may be made to the Oradell Public Library in honor of Richard R. Ryen, 375 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649. Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada, IA has been entrusted with the care of Richard and his family.