Ryan Asmus

Ryan Thomas Asmus, 47, passed away on November 4, 2024, and is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on February 5, 1977, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Michael Asmus and Cynthia Courtade.

Ryan attended Portage Northern High School, graduating in 1996. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on the delayed entry program his senior year of high school, and upon graduating, attended basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, Illinois. From there he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, on the destroyer, the U.S.S. Deyo where he worked as an electrician. It was in the Navy that Ryan got to see the world, especially the area around the Mediterranean Sea during the Kosovo War.

Upon finishing four years in the Navy, Ryan returned to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and attended Western Michigan University, graduating in 2004 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

After graduating, Ryan got his dream job, being hired by Boeing Airlines in Seattle, Washington. There he worked on the Boeing 747 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, before moving into management. While with Boeing, Ryan spent two years in Philadelphia, and four months in Paris, France, living across from the Eiffel Tower.

Ryan was always an avid sports fan, particularly for the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings. He also liked traveling, making a trip to Ireland and Scotland. He also enjoyed camping in the National Parks of the Northwest. In his spare time, he assembled approximately 47 Lego sets.

In February 2022, Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia. He received care at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, and then at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Sadly, after putting up a courageous fight for nearly three years, Ryan passed away on November 4, 2024.

Surviving to lovingly remember Ryan are his father, Michael (Wendy) Asmus, his mother Cynthia Courtade, step-brother Scott Thompson, step-sister Cathy Thompson (Alex) Andros, David (Rosemary) Asmus, Gordon (Lori) Courtade, Annette (Greg) Courtade, Luann (Ted) Shepardson, Ronald Courtade, Janet (Tim) Menzie, Ron (Lina) Lambe, Laurie (Chuck) DeCoursey, Bob Wilson, six beloved nieces: Hannah and Makenna Thompson, and Kyah, Kamryn, Lexi and Liza Andros, as well as many cousins. Ryan was prceeded in death by his uncles Greg Courtade, William, Gustav, and Frederick Asmus, and his beloved dog Charlie.

Cremation has taken place. His ashes will be scattered at sea y the U.S. Navy. A private family ceremony will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, or to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.