James "Jim" Ryan

James "Jim" R. Ryan, 87, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 8, 2018 at his home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born May 1, 1931 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of the late Edmund and Eunice (Walters) Ryan. His first marriage was to Rose Kutsch. She preceded him in death on July 2, 2008. On August 14, 1976 he married Patricia (Lightfoot) Block in Asbury, Iowa. She survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. Jim served as a National Union Representative for the International Woodworkers of America. For 23 years prior, he worked in Dubuque, Iowa at the Celotex Plant from 1953 until 1976. An accomplished body builder, Jim won in competitions and also worked at Franck's Gym in Wausau after his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed collecting sports cards and coins, bowling, playing golf, reading and writing poetry. Jim also loved to listen to country music and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Survivors include his wife, Pat, 11 children, Sandra (Robert) Willman, Laura (Terry) DeMaio, Linda Ryan, Michael Ryan, Pamela Johnson, Maurna (Pat) Rome, Curt (Jo Anna) Block, Julia (Richie) Trautwein, Tina (Randy Hamm) Kenniker, Charles (Rita) Block, Jackie (LeRoy Dennis) Turnmeyer; 24 grandchildren;17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maurna (Jim) Gerhard and Judy Saefkow; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Kim Block and Nicole Block; one brother, Roger Ryan; three sisters, Margaret Fah, Susan Clough and Sheila Puccio; and one brother-in-law, Don Saefkow. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Peterson, his nurse, Mary Sahn, all the nurses and CNA's at the Aspirus Cancer Center, Dr. Eric Anderson, the staff at the Procedure Center at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, his hospice nurse, Haley and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, for the wonderful care and support given to Jim and his family. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday July 22, 2018 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10 Wausau at 3:00 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com