Michael Joseph Ryan

MADISON-Michael J. Ryan, age 70, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013. He was born on January 9, 1943, to Paul G. and Joan C. (Breitenbach) Ryan. Mike attended grade school at St. Bernard Catholic Grade School where he always made sure to attend regular reunions with his former grade school class mates. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1961 where he excelled in both football and track. Mike was proud to be a two time champion in the Badger Conference for the 100 yard dash. He also, was a shot putter, where he competed in the Badger State Games, winning 1st place. Mike was very athletic until he had hip surgery at the age of 65. His true mentor was his High School track coach, John Klement, which led him to be a part of the naming committee for the Athletic Complex; naming it after John. Mike began his career at Stoughton State Bank working there for many years. Then he owned Ryans Cars, Inc., until he started a career in the real estate business. Mike started the first Re/Max Realty Agency in the Madison area, but spent most of his career working for First Weber Realty. He thoroughly enjoyed his Princeton Club friends. Mike loved to share jokes with his friends, where many empty cartridges from his computer printer attest to that fact. His favorite saying was “Live every day as best you can, because no one gets out of here alive”. Mike is survived by his loving companion, Barb Sowinski; Barb’s children, Cindy (Roger) Mynatt and Mike (Susan) Sowinski; Barb’s grandchildren, whom he adored, Maddie and Kellen Sowinski, and Madison Mynatt; three brothers, Connie (Jan) Ryan, Patrick (Joan) Ryan, and James (Patsy) Ryan; brother-in-law, Richard Peterson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Ryan, Shirley Ryan, Patricia Ryan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Nancy Peterson, Mary Ryan, and Judy Sorenson; and three brothers, Theodore, Paul and Daniel Ryan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC PARISH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, with Monsignor Michael Burke presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, near his parents and his brother Paul. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church or to the donor’s choice. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420