Nick Ryan
December 29, 1980 - January 22, 2020
Obituary
MADISON-Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Ryan, age 39, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. He was born on Dec. 29, 1980, in Glenwood Springs, Colo., the son of Thomas and Kathleen (Curtin) Ryan. Nick moved to Lombard, Ill. at a young age, and then to Beloit, Wis., where he attended Beloit College. After college he moved to the Madison area and went to graduate school at the UW-Madison.
Nicholas married Amanda Sanders on Oct. 5, 2007, in Oak Brook, Ill. He began working for the Madison Police Department in 2007 and was promoted to detective in 2016. He was a proud member of the police hockey team and Phi Kappa Si Fraternity. Nick loved animals, enjoyed woodworking, being outdoors and golfing. Most of all, he loved his children and spending time with them.
Nicholas is survived by wife, Amanda; son, Tommy Ryan; daughter, Julie Ryan; parents; sister, Lindsay Ryan; and brother, Emmett (Adam Leohr) Ryan. He is further survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Professional Police Officers Association, c/o Ryan Family, P.O. Box 1188, Madison, WI 53701, for the family of Detective Nick Ryan. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sun Jan 26, 2020 @ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Jan 27, 2020 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
Memories
MI
Matthew Ishu
Other •
I don’t know what to say....I have been shaken by this to my core for so many reasons but I don’t know any family that is stronger or more nurturing or more empathetic than the Ryan family and it hurts me to know that there is a lot of suffering now but the light that was given to Nick throughout his life by his family will always be there no matter the form it takes. I love you all very much. All the love, strength, and prayers from my heart to yours. Matthew Ishu
TP
Tom Parr
Other •
Nick, my family and friends are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May you now walk in the presence of our Lord.
AA
Adrian Alan
Other •
I worked with Nick for many years when I was with MPD. I always enjoyed being around him. He was a great cop - one of those officers you could trust completely to have your back and keep you safe, and he always did outstanding work. Just a 100% good to go guy, dependable, and solid. But I think the thing I will remember the most about Nick, is he was never one to bring others down. He had a realistic understanding of the world we worked in, and we could have honest conversations about all the messed up things we dealt with, but somehow he was still able to be positive about it and went back to doing what needed to be done. Nick was the kind of guy that brought others around him up - he will be missed dearly. Godspeed brother.
JB
Joe Balles
Other •
I had the honor of working with Nick for a number of years at MPD's South District. I echo the thoughts of my brothers and sisters in blue. Nick had a kind and caring heart. He was drawn to the work of a police officer for all the right reasons. He was a professional and treated everyone with dignity and compassion; true to the long time values of the Madison Police Department. Thank you Nick for your service to the Madison community.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
– John 3:16
SM
Stephen Mackesey
Other •
A quiet and thoughtful man who I always enjoyed working with. I hope he is at peace now and his family knows how well liked he was. Heartbroken for his family.
RF
Ricardo Franco
Other •
The Thin Blue Line got really thin this week for us at MPD. Reality really knock in our door this time. It is hard to see a friend depart. I truly learn a lot from you Nick. I had the amazing opportunity to have you as an FTO for 2 phases. An experience I will never forget. You will be miss and I know God will have a special place for you. Keep watching our back and we will keep your watch brother. My condolences to Nick’s family and to our MPD family. May God gives you all the strength and peace during this difficult time. Ricardo Franco