Gordon M. Ryan

Gordon M. Ryan, 90, of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday May 24, 2013 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King following a brief illness. He was born May 29, 1922 in Oakfield, Wisconsin to the late Will and Grace Devoy Ryan. He graduated from Oakfield High School in 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in January 1942. Gordon fought in WWII earning battle stars for campaigns in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippine island of Leyte. He attained the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in February, 1946. On June 8, 1946 he married Evelyn Ripley at the Scott Field Air Force base in Illinois. Evelyn preceded Gordon in death on June 7, 1991. After his Army discharge Gordon worked in various construction and factory jobs until 1957 when he took a job as a rate clerk with Stefke Freight in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin which was later purchased by Spector Freight, a major regional freight carrier based in Chicago. During his career with Spector, Gordon was a terminal manager in Fond du Lac, St. Paul and Chicago before becoming the Midwest Region Vice President. In 1982 he joined CW Freight (Gerber/Nestles) as their Director of Terminal Operations until his retirement in 1990. He was a charter member of VFW Post 8092 of Oakfield, St James Catholic Church in Oakfield and a member of many professional, civic and charitable organizations during his career. Gordon was known as "Pop" by his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he has had a lifetime love and respect relationship. Like those of his generation, Gordon was honored to be a member of the "Greatest Generation", seldom spoke of their sacrifices, but enjoyed telling stories of lifetime friendships made during WWII. He enjoyed being an honored guest on the Honor Flight for WW II veterans to Washington D.C. on October 8, 2011 with his grandson Wade as his chaperone. He will be remembered by all who met him for his easy warm smile, love of life, generosity, thoughtfulness, one liners, quick Irish wit and sense of humor. He cherished being with and entertaining his family and friends. Over the years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events, traveling with Evelyn, wintering in Florida, a fast round of golf, St. Patrick's Day, playing cards, the Packers, Badgers, Archie Bunker, Wisconsin's summer warmth, lake breezes and his happy hour friends in his Lake Buttes des Morts neighborhood. Gordon is survived by his son, Michael (Gayla) Ryan of Harpers Ferry, IA; daughter, Gayle (John) Bittner of Oshkosh; three grandchildren, Ryan (Elizabeth) Bittner of Monona; Wade (Kimberly) Bittner of Menasha; Cheryl (Bill) Carter of Bishop, CA; ten great-grandchildren, Emma, Molly, Johnny and Lucy Bittner; Kaylie, Keira and Wyatt Bittner; Brock, Jed and Evie Belle Carter; special friend, Virginia; his sister, Madonna Schaefer of Oakfield; four sisters-in-law, Sylvia Ryan of Fond du Lac; Margaret Ryan of El Reno OK; Joan Ryan of Oakfield; Irene (Ted) Wenda of South St. Paul, MN; special cousin, Mickey (Maryjo) Ryan and family who knew him as "Gornie"; many nieces and nephews who knew him as "The Big Unc" and many, many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Evelyn and parents Will and Grace Ryan; eight brothers, Russell, James, William, Donald, Bernard, Dwayne, Eugene and Francis; one sister, Margaret (Alvin) Conger.



Visitation will be held at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac on Friday, May 31 from 4:00 "“ 7:00 PM and on Saturday morning at St. James Church from 9:30 "“ 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at St. James Catholic Church, 101 N Main St, Oakfield, with Rev. Michael Petersen officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will take place at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park, Fond du Lac. In lieu of flowers, memorials are being established in Gordon's name for St. James Church, Oakfield VFW Post 8092 and the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King and the John H. Bradley VA Clinic in Appleton for the special care they provided to Gordon.Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.