The funeral Mass for George E. Ryan will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota with Father Russ Scepaniak officiating. Burial will be at St. Clements Cemetery in Hammond, Minnesota.

George Edward Ryan, 98, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away on August 30, 2023 following a short illness.

George was born July 7, 1925 to Joseph and Mary Anna (Kohn) Ryan in the village of South Troy in Zumbro Township. He grew up on the family farm and in July 1943 enlisted in the United States Navy. On June 6, 1944, George and his regiment joined the 2nd wave on Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the EAME Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

George returned to Rochester, Minnesota, and on November 11, 1955, he married Mary Ellen (Schneider) Ryan, who passed away on June 1, 2011. For over 30 years, he worked forRochester Sand and Gravel until his retirement. George attended St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. George was known for his jolly, positive disposition. He cherished moments with his family and had a deep passion for camping, hunting, fishing, and boating.

In May of 2019, George revisited Omaha Beach, accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law. It was a beautiful spring day as George gazed out over the same Omaha Beach, where 75 years earlier, he and his regiment had landed on D-Day. The following day, George received a heartfelt honor at the Luxembourg Cemetery with the flag that flew over General Patton's grave.

George is survived by his sons Terry (Diane), Bruce (Katie), Jeff, and his daughter Barb Rogers, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, three brothers Stanley, William, and Percy; one sister Anna Marie Butlin and three foster brothers, George Engelhart, Ted Terzakis, Alex Kiskin, and son-in-law Dr. Paul Rogers.

A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday September 15, 2023 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to St. Pius X Catholic Church.