Thomas Ryan

Thomas Ryan, age 94, of Spring Valley died Sunday, February 19, 2017 at his apartment at Valley Villas in Spring Valley.

Funeral mass will be on Wednesday, February 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Spring Valley.  Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. at church prior to the service.

Burial will be at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, Ellsworth, Wisconsin.

Survivors include 3 daughters: Jacquelyn (Jerry) Slocum of Ellsworth; Diana (Terry) Fischer of  Beldenville; and Sheila Lacoier of Menomonie; 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters: Jeff and Shawn Slocum; Michelle (Mike) Broderick; Kelly (Jason) Bundy; and Kari (Justin) Abrahamson; 6 great grandchildren: Taylor Kislenger, Bradley Fischer, Darren Abrahamson; Anessa and Dakaria Scherr, and Ryan Broderick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

                                   This is My Life Story As I remember it.

I was born in Belle Creek, MN. Goodhue County in 1922. I had eleven brothers and sisters, all now deceased.  I spent my grade school days (eight years) in a one-room schoolhouse. Our community was of mostly Irish descent. My dad was born in America in 1855 or 1856. There were six children in his first family. In 1905, he married my mother (Annie Ward). There were also six of us in his second marriage.
After grade school, I spent four years in a preparatory seminary.
In 1942, I was drafted into the army. I had over three years’ service.
In 1941, I met Gloria and we were married in 1943 at Clemson College, SC. where I was stationed. We honeymooned in the Highlands, NC.
We had three children Jackie, Diana, and Sheila. Jackie had three children, Jeff, Kevin, and Shawn. Diana had two children Michelle and Nathan. Sheila had two girls Kelly and Kari. Two of our grandchildren died too young. Kevin Slocum was 16 and Nathan Fischer was 29.
When I was discharged from the army in 1945, I worked at a few different jobs. In 1948, we bought a beer tavern in El Paso, WI. At that time, it was legal to sell beer to 18 year olds. We ran the bar for nine years. Next, I worked at 3M for 23 years.
We were married for 71 years. In 2015, Gloria passed away. Marrying Gloria was the best thing I did in my 94 years.

   Tom was born May 11, 1922, to John W. and Annie L. (Ward) Ryan in Belle Creek Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota.  After grade school, he spent four years in a preparatory seminary in St Paul.  On October 30, 1943, he married Gloria Vinge.  They were married in South Carolina where Tom was serving in the U.S. Army.
   After Tom was discharged from the Army, they moved to Red Wing, Minnesota and next to St. Paul Park, and then moved to Ellsworth, Wisconsin.  They owned and operated the Rush River Bar for 9 years and then he worked at 3M for 23 years until retiring.  They enjoyed all their family gatherings, and travelling together.  They visited all states except Alaska and Hawaii.  They also took a trip to Ireland.
   He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Gloria; his 11 siblings; and 2 grandchildren: Kevin Slocum and Nathan Fischer.
   Pallbearers are Jeff Slocum, Shawn Slocum, Michelle and Mike Broderick, Brad Fischer, Taylor Kislenger, Jason and Kelly Bundy.