Donald Ryno

A hero has fallen. Donald Lee Ryno, born June 27, 1941 met our Lord and Savior Sunday, March 16th while doing something he loved: working in the woods. The world's best husband, dad, and grandpa will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.

After graduating high school in 1959, Don entered the work force as a surveyor, which quickly became one of his passions. Shortly after, he entered the Army corps of engineers; here, his passion for surveying only grew. When his time in the Army ended, he entered back into the workforce as a surveyor. Although he loved it, his passion for taxidermy, an art he learned at an early age from his grandfather, was immeasurable, so he opened Ryno Taxidermy. He did not know at the time what an incredibly positive impact this would have on countless lives. On June 10, 1967, Don married the love of his life Kathleen (Kathy) Berardi. They lived a life filled with love and joy, and they set the perfect example of what a relationship should look like. Together, they also showed everyone what great parenting looks like. Because he was a dedicated husband and father, he put his family ahead of all else. God was working in his life before he truly realized it, and he retired from surveying to operate Ryno Taxidermy full-time from his home. Building a shop onto his house allowed him to maximize his time at home with his family, something that they all cherished and will forever be grateful for. Don loved sports, hunting, fishing, running his chainsaw, and burning brush. He also loved making new trails and digging new drainage ditches throughout the woods, which is what he was doing when he passed. We all wish for more time with him, more of his great stories, more of his strong hugs and firm handshakes, and more of his smiles and laughter. But, God needed another rugged angel to watch over the outdoorsmen. So, He called this hero home when He knew Don was ready, before he lost his memory or physical ability to engage in the hard work that defined him.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Adrian and Marion (Tychsen) Ryno and his baby girl Linda Ryno. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Kathy, his children, Ann (Bill) Fry and Steve (Lara Albrecht) Ryno, grandchildren Emma, Gracie, and Finley Ryno and Heidi, Elsie, and Jessie Albrecht, and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ted Huizenga.

A visitation is planned for Monday, March 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 with a funeral service immediately following at 3:00 at Journey Family Church, 514 W Van Buren St., Gobles, MI, 49055. The family is asking for everyone who feels impacted by Don to come pay respects, and we hope that many will feel compelled to either say some words or write some down for someone else to read. Don loved stories, so we would love to fill the time with many stories.