Russell J. Ryan

Russell J. Ryan, of Gleason, passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2025, age 67, at a local hospital with family by his side.

Russell was born on October 6, 1957, to Patrick J. and Helen M. (Abitz) Ryan. He was the oldest of six siblings. The family moved to Gleason in 1970. Russ graduated from Merrill High School in 1976. He was an active outdoors person; small game hunting, fishing, bear/deer hunting and training dogs. Russ also enjoyed trapping. For many years, he went mule deer hunting in Colorado with other family members. 

Russ was active in many organizations. He held lifetime memberships with Wisconsin Trappers Association (Received a plaque in 2000), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, North American Hunting Club, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, and the N.R.A. He was also a member of Lincoln County Sports Club, Parrish Highlanders, and Harrison Hills ATV clubs. He participated in the Langlade County Fair Tractor Pulls winning a trophy in 2014 for 3rd Place in the Old Timers Class 5000 lbs. Russ enjoyed going to local events such as Gleason Lions Heritage Days Antique Show.

Russ was employed by Baginski Farms in Antigo working in the Potato Industry. After 45 years with the company, he retired in 2021. Russ also worked in farming. He enjoyed working the land at his brother’s farm and planting his own food plots for the wildlife. 

Russ was independent and did things his own way. He always was willing to help others in need. Anyone who made fried green tomatoes, green tomato pie, and/or holiday white sugar cookies had a friend for life.

Survivors include three brothers, Robert Ryan, Ronald Ryan and Randy Ryan all of Gleason; two sisters, Shirley Ryan of Gleason and Sara Ament (Neal Thieme) of Merrill; three nephews; four nieces; and he was a great-uncle to three nephews. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles. 

The funeral service for Russ will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and after 9:00 A.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025 all at 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the family for a memorial yet to be determined. 

Fly high, big brother. Love you, rest in peace. Everything is going to be okay. Maybe not today, but eventually it will. Hold fast to your hope and never stop believing. All things happen in God’s perfect time. Amen

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com