Don Ryan, son of James and Vivian Ryan, was born on September 7, 1939. He graduated from North High School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1957. On April 19, 1960, Don was united in marriage to Audrey Short. Don and Audrey had two children: Bob and Debbie.

Don worked at M.U. D. (Metropolitan Utilities District) for 39 years beginning his career as a ditch digger and retiring as a plant manager. He retired in 1999 at 60 years of age. Don accepted Christ with Calvin Miller at their home. Don was later baptized at Westside Church in Omaha.

Don loved hunting, especially deer. He would hunt with family every November. He was also a pheasant hunter; his friends called him “dead-eye”. Don also loved fishing including deep seas fishing and traveling to Alaska, South Dakota, Canada and Minnesota to fish.

He loved his six grandsons well and traveled to be with them often. Don loved to snuggle his grandsons and great-grandchildren. One of Don’s favorite sayings was, “What’s for dessert?” Cookies and pie were his favorites.

Don passed unexpectedly on Saturday, October 17, 2026, having attained the age of 87 years, 1 month and 10 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Jim and Roger, and his son-in-law Joe Pennington.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years; Audrey Ryan of Avoca, Iowa; children Bob Ryan and wife Shirley, and Debbie Pennington; 6 grandsons: Nick (Christina), Dan (Ginger), Brad, Alex (Jamie), Phil (Autumne), and Jake (Steph); 10 great-grandchildren: Ethan, Elijah, Jonah, Hayley, Aubree, Haven, Levi, Mae, Evan and Austin; sisters-in-law Rosalie and Saralee; other family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Fresh Encounter Church in Harlan.