Bob Ryan, 58, passed away on July 1, 2021.
He was born on May 28, 1963 in Harvey, IL, to Donald E. Ryan Sr and Muriel J. Ryan.
Bob moved to Sheboygan in 1974 to the Black River area with his parents and 7 siblings. He referred to
the move from the Chicago area as a move to paradise. He and his friends spent a lot of time in the
woods in their amazing fort that they built. Bob graduated from Sheboygan South High School in 1981.
Despite earning stellar grades throughout his high school years, he was not yet ready for college. He
enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He spent four years on active duty. He served in North
Carolina, Japan and California before coming back to North Carolina. While in the Marines he married
Ronda Senecal (Birschbach). After his honorary discharge from the Marines he stayed in North Carolina
and established his own Painting Company known as Superior Painting. After some years of success he
sold the company and returned home to join the family business, Ryan Oil Company. In 1995, Bob
married Mary Renzelmann of Sheboygan. Bob worked in the family business focusing on growing and
branding the company. After much success, a decision was made 17 years later to sell. Bob was ready
to move on to something new. Bob was a people person. He could start a conversation with anyone
and end up friends in a short time. He was a problem solver and always thought “big”. He ran for
alderman for the 2 nd district in 2006 and was elected. He enjoyed his job as Alderman so much that he
wanted to go further and run for Mayor. In April of 2009 Bob Ryan became Mayor Bob Ryan. He was
honored to serve. Bob had a rather simple common sense approach. He was not a politician and would
strive not to be one. He wanted to serve and meet the needs of the city. He wanted to run the City just
like he would run his own business with high service standards. He was a leader but also knew the
importance of a team. His plan was to bring together the incredible talents of his team and work
together to make our city meet the need of its citizens and be a desired destination for others. For his
time with the City, Mayor Bob Ryan and his team accomplished so much.
Bob was blessed with three children whom he adored: Ashley Ann Ryan (Joseph Porter) of Sheboygan
Falls, Blake Robert Ryan and Abigail Leigh Ryan both of Sheboygan.
He was best known for his bigger than life personality. He dreamed big and went after those dreams
with conviction. His children were most important to him as he loved each one immensely. He enjoyed
family. Ryan Family Christmas dinners, gatherings at the Lake House and vacationing with his family
were when Bob was most content. He also enjoyed going fishing, cooking out, and spending time at
Road America with Blake. Bob was not fond of shopping but would be sure that Ashley and Abigail had
their two hours in the Vera Bradley Outlet store while he “patiently” waited.
Bob served in the United States Marine Corp from 1982 to 1986. He was awarded Marine of the
Quarter, seven Meritorious Masts, as well as numerous other recognitions.
Bob is survived by his wife Mary Ryan, his children: Ashley Ryan (Joseph Porter), Blake Ryan, and Abigail
Ryan, his brothers and sisters, Donald E. Ryan Jr. (Judy), Deborah Ryan (Tim Powell), Timothy Ryan,
Kathleen Hoffman (Dave), Maureen Ryan, John Ryan, and Melissa Neese (Randall), his uncle Bob
Melcher (Pat), his cousin Dan Bruns, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ed and Sandy Kalmerton,
brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Amy Renzelmann, and sister-in-law Paula Renzelmann as well as
nieces and nephews too numerous to list.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Ryan Sr. and Muriel J. Ryan, nephew Douglas Felde,
sister-in-law Eva Ryan, Uncle Al Bruns, and Aunt Lois Bruns.
A time of visitation for Bob’s family and friends will take place on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Holy
Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 818 Huron Ave., in Sheboygan from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on
Thursday, July 8, 2021, at church from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at
10:30 AM on Thursday. Bob will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler with full military
honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob's name Payable to Memorial of Bob Ryan.
“Never Forgotten. You’ll never be forgotten that simply cannot be. As long as I am living, I’ll carry you
with me. Safely tucked within my heart your light will always shine; a glowing ember never stilled,
throughout the end of time. No matter what the future brings, or what may lie ahead, I know that you
will walk with me along the path I tread. So rest my angel, be at peace and let your soul fly free. One
day I’ll join your glorious flight for all eternity.” -Unknown
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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