Ronald J. Ryan
March 24, 1932 - January 29, 2025
Obituary
Fitchburg - Lieutenant Colonel Ronald John Ryan, age 92, of Fitchburg, took off on his final flight on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. We wish him a soft landing wherever he chooses to land. Ron loved his country and was proud to serve as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He flew the F-86, F-102, F-106 and F-4 and had 5,000 hours of flight time. His many commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He loved to fly jets.
Ron was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Ruth (Bjorklund) Ryan and Chester Ryan on March 24, 1932. At age 14, he moved with his family to Wausaukee, Wis., graduating from Wausaukee High School in 1949. He attended UW-Madison and received a degree in Economics in 1953. He completed one year at UW Law School before joining the USAF in 1954. After pilot training he was assigned to Truax Field in Madison. In 1956, he met his wife of 67 years, the former Mary Lee Widstrom. They married on July 6, 1957, in her hometown of Wausau, Wis. His career took him to Newfoundland, Canada, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Southern California, a year in Vietnam (where he flew 100 missions), Northern California, Colorado and finally Germany (where he worked for NATO). After he retired from the USAF in 1976, he completed his law degree and worked for the State of Wisconsin as an Administrative Law Judge until 1998.
Sailing was one of his favorite hobbies. On a good wind day, Ron could be found on Lake Mendota with Mary Lee and his sailing buddies, one hand holding a beer and one hand on the tiller. Ron also enjoyed a good martini and was a great poker player, often leaving his winnings on the dresser for his wife to find in the morning. No one ever figured how to beat him at gin rummy.
Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Lee; son, Steven; daughter, Sally; daughter, Kathryn (David) Ilsley; and grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan and Anne. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Richard.
A celebration of life will be held at Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral and Cremation Care, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002