Willard "Bill" Ryan

MADISON-Willard "Bill" Ryan, age 89, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at Nazareth Health & Rehabilitation Center.  He was born on Aug. 17, 1927, in Lodi, the son of Thomas and Gertrude (Knutson) Ryan. After graduating high school in Lodi, he briefly served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946.  Bill spent many years in Madison perfecting the craft of carpentry, where he owned his own business.  He then drove a cab in the Madison area for 27 years until his retirement.  Throughout the years, Bill could often be found at the casino, where he enjoyed watching the horse races. Indeed one of his last outings was to Ho-Chunk Casino for a day at the races, which was made possible through Heartland Hospice's make a wish program.  Willard is survived by his sons, Robert (Dotty) Ryan and Bryan (Kris) Ryan; daughter, Teresa Ryan; nine grandchildren, Nathan (Marissa) Ryan, Luke (Kyla) Ryan, Brooke (Michael) Schwartz, Michael (Heather) Ryan, Beth Ryan, Shaunna (Joe) Stetzer, Kaela Ryan, Tessa Ryan, and Alexa Ryan; nine great grandchildren, Pilar Ryan, Kage, Knox, Kase, and Kruz Ryan, Brayden and Logan Schwartz, and Bentley and Kenzlei Ryan; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Geneva Larson, Rosemary Kearney and Josephine Koenig; and two brothers, Lawrence "Bud" Ryan and Delbert Ryan. A special thank you to all the staff at Nazareth Health & Rehab in Stoughton for the last three years and to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.   Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive       608-221-5420