Joseph Gene Ryan

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Gene Ryan, announces his passing on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at the age of 80 years. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his son, Daniel (Maggie). Joe will also be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, Nicholas, Daniel, Alexandria, Aidan, Nia, and by his sister Donna (Jerry), brother, Roland (Lynne) and brother Patrick (Bonnie, deceased). Joe was predeceased by his wife, Darlene, stillborn son, Timothy, Joe’s sister, Eileen, brother, Frank and his parents Joseph and Agnes Ryan. 

Joe was born on September 26, 1941, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Joe was raised in Platte, South Dakota, where he excelled in football, basketball and track, graduating from Platte High in 1959. Joe continued playing sports while attending Southern State College in Springfield South Dakota. Joe married Darlene Vilhauer from Tyndall, South Dakota in 1964, after both having just graduated from Southern with their teaching degree. Joe and Darlene taught school in Modale, Iowa, for four years while Joe was working on his Master’s Degree in School Guidance. After achieving his Masters from the University of Omaha, he accepted a job as a middle school counselor and coach in Eagle Grove. Joe spent his summers building up a hay and straw business with the help of his son, Dan. In 1998, Joe and Darlene moved to Farnhamville, Iowa, where Joe accepted a High School Counseling position at Prairie Valley High Scool. After several years in Farnhamville, Joe and Darlene then moved back to Eagle Grove where he finished his career in education working again for the Eagle Grove School District. After retirement, Joe worked as a bus driver, host and trip planner for Northland Travel for the next 15 years. In 2018, after the passing of his wife, Darlene, Joe moved to Boise, Idaho to be close to his son, Dan, and his family. Joe was able to spend his remaining years close to his son, daughter in law, grandchildren and grea- grandchildren.

It has always been our wish to conduct a funeral for Joe in Eagle Grove upon his passing, however, because of a significant health issue with a family member, funeral plans are on hold at this time.