Earl John Ryan

Rochester Earl John Ryan, 89, of Rochester died Friday April 28, 2006 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Earl was born May 13, 1916 in Utica to Joe and Celia (Pearce) Ryan. He served in the United States Army from March 25, 1941 until June 3, 1945. He served in Tunisia, Naples, Foggia and Rome in the Arno Campaign, as well as Hill 69 under General Patton. In the Army he was a qualified expert with a carbine, as well as a survey and instrument mans. He was honorably discharged as Corporal. Earl and Helen Martelle Freese were married August 19, 1948 in Austin. The couple farmed near St. Charles for many years. In 1968 they moved to Rochester where he worked for Crenlo until his retirement in 1981. Earl enjoyed his family and friends and loved to go fishing. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed going to rodeos. Earl will be greatly missed by all, including his little dog Missy. He was a member of the Wabasha Veterans of Foreign War, Eyota American Legion and Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rochester. Survivors include his wife Helen, sons, Kenneth (Betty) Freese of Spring Valley and David (Cheryl) Ryan of Zumbro Falls, daughters Linda (Jerry) Halls of Pontotoc, MS and Lana (Harold "Hal") Becker of Wabasha, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, a brother Lyle Ryan of St. Charles, four sisters, Lois Hayes of Austin, Lorraine (Robert) Kroenig of St. Charles, Carol Coe of Rochester and Rita (David) Hengel of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Glen. Funeral Services will be 11AM Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. Dr. James W. Heining officiating. Burial will be in Saratoga Cemetery in rural St. Charles. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Monday at Hoff Funeral Home's ? St. Charles Chapel. They may also call one hour before services at the church. Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church. Please share a memory on Earl's on-line Guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.