Elaine Ryan, 88, formerly of Lansing, Iowa died Monday, October 16, 2017 in Alexandria, Minnesota. Elaine was born December 8, 1928 to Ken and Elaine Green and lived most of her life in Lansing, Iowa.
Elaine had many talents and interests. She loved to paint, bake, sew, read, travel, write and learn. Her adventurous spirit took her backpacking solo through Europe several times, always traveling by train and lodging in youth hostels. When she was eighty, she rode an elephant in South Africa. She loved the mountains of Colorado and could often be found standing at the peak of Mt. Evans in shorts and a wool sweater. She loved family. She will be dearly missed.
Elaine is survived by her four children, Teri (Bill) Rethwisch of Lansing, Iowa; Ken (Heidi) Ryan of Alexandria, Minnesota; Mark (Linda) Ryan of Dacula, Georgia; Carol (David) Wilkie of St. Paul Minnesota; eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Elaine was proceeded in death by her loving husband, James A. Ryan; her parents Ken and Elaine Green of Postville, Iowa; and two brothers, Theodore and Edward Green.
Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing, Iowa with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant.
Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing, Iowa.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the staff at Knute Nelson, Nelson Gables and Grand Arbor in Alexandria as well as Hospice of Douglas County caregivers for the love and care they gave Elaine at the end of her full life.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.
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