Richard Joseph Ryan

Richard “Dick” Joseph Ryan, age 82 of Hill City and Aitkin died Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.

Richard was born November 2, 1936 in Aitkin, Minnesota the son of Joseph and Caroline (Hassman) Ryan. He grew up and attended schools in Aitkin attending Maryhill Academy and then the Aitkin High School from which he graduated. He then attended St. John’s University for a time. He served in the U.S. Navy in the late 1950’s and after 4 years returned home after his discharge. He worked a few jobs before Red Keenan offered him a patrol officer job in Aitkin. He took that job and also worked as a rural postal carrier for a time. He served as the Chief of Police in Aitkin from 1981 to 1991 when he retired. He then spent time in Canada at his cabin. He has lived in Hill City with his son for the past two years prior to going to the Aicota Health Care Center 5 months ago. He enjoyed duck and deer hunting, fishing, wild ricing and making maple syrup. He had been very active in the Aitkin Little League youth baseball and the Aitkin Golden Gloves youth boxing program.

He is survived by two sons: Tom (Wendy) Ryan of Hill City, Mn.; Tim (Kathleen) Ryan of Aitkin; Daughter: Tamara (Kory) Huft of Sioux Falls, S.D.; 5 Grandchildren: Matthew, Emily (Nic), Elizabeth, Johnathan, and Grace and 1 great grandson: Jameson. He is also survived by Brother: James (Diane) Ryan of Aitkin and Sister: Mary (Rick) Godfrey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Caroline, Daughter: Teresa, brothers: Mike and Jack and sister Anne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 11 AM from St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin with Fr. David Forsman officiating. Visitation will be Monday March 4 from 4 to 7 PM with a Rosary Service at 7 PM at the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and continue Tuesday at the church from 10 AM until the 11 AM services. Interment will be in the St. Thomas Cemetery in Aitkin. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home. www.srtfuneral.com. 

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