Daniel "Danny" Arthur Ryan

DANIEL “DANNY” ARTHUR RYAN, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, peacefully at the New Richland Care Center in New Richland, Minnesota, following a series of health issues. 

Born on January 15, 1943, in Janesville, Minnesota to Daniel Michael and Viola Mary (Eustice) Ryan. He attended school in Janesville and Waseca. He enlisted in the Navy just out of school and shyly admitted he was honorably discharged; due to the fact he was not ready for military life. Danny’s brother, Dickie Ryan was born in 1944, who would be his best friend until the time of Dickie’s death. His sister, Colleen came along in 1955, Colleen and the boys were extremely close their whole lives. Sadly, their mother passed away at the age of 31, in May of 1957. 

Danny was united in marriage, 63 years ago, on July 29, 1961, to Darlene Ann Meger of Le Center, Minnesota. They lived much of their married life in Waseca while raising four children: Kim, Susie, Vicky, and their son, Troy, whom they were blessed with for just thirteen short years, as he tragically died on September 19, 1981. 

His work history created lifelong friendships. He worked for Floyd Lamont Sr. and Floyd “Punk” Lamont Jr. right out of school. He then began working at Bock’s Service, pumping gas and mechanic work. Bill Bock along with Danny’s uncle, Don Eustice, became huge mentors throughout his life. He was known to enjoy working on Lynn Below’s “57 Chevy” after hours at the station. His daughters knew better than to ever drive a Ford. He then went on to work at Morton Buildings in Janesville, picking up and continuing friendships with Cliff Strand and Lynn Below. He enjoyed working with and hauling junk cars for Glen McClellan and later Jim Kukuzka. He worked at the Chevy Garage which at the time, was Johnson Chevrolet. He then moved into working a long time at J & J Auto Crushing for Jack Johnson in Eagle Lake. He later bought a flatbed truck from Jack and started hauling for himself. Years later he began a long and enjoyable career working for Jack and Betty Fitzsimmons and later John and Erin Fitzsimmons. He developed friendships working over the road, like his friends Joe (Lorelle) Sexton. He eventually bought his own truck and was a self-employed owner operator and was labeled “Wild Dan”! Danny and Darlene enjoyed many years traveling over the road together. 

Danny was happiest while working in his shop and even happier if his brother Dickie was right alongside him. If you needed a part for your car, he could find it. He was also known as a sharp and serious Pfeffer card player. He spent years stock car racing, seldomly easing off the gas pedal. In retirement he enjoyed various custom hauling jobs. He particularly took great pride in caring for his wife, Darlene, as her mobility became more difficult. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. 

Danny is survived by his wife, Darlene of New Richland; daughters: Kim Williams of Buffalo Center, Iowa, Susie (Greg) Harguth and Vicky (Mark) Hager all of Waseca; nine grandchildren: Brandon (Audra) Ryan, Adam (Anne) Harguth, Amber Harrison, Brittany Robertson, Eric Robertson, Jennifer (Mike) Bartelt, Kayla Williams, Haley Williams, Megan (Dillon) Frechette; step grandson, Joe Hager; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Colleen Gerdts of Waseca; step sister, Marilyn (Brad) Hardt of Mankato; step brothers: Ivan (Janice) Maas of Janesville and Orlen Maas of Forest City, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved son, Troy, brother: Richard (Marylou) Ryan; brother-in-law, Doug Gerdts; sisters-in-law, Florence (Bob) Campbell and Shirley (Ben) Barta. 

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. Glenn Frerichs as Celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the caring staff at New Richland Care Center and the loving care Danny received from St. Croix Hospice.