Richard 'Rick' Ryan, Jr., of North Platte, Nebraska passed away at home on April 27, 2021, at the age of 71.
Rick was born July 7, 1949, in North Platte where he grew up. He was raised by his grandparents, Harold and Ellen Ryan and his father, Richard, and mother, Margaret Ryan. He attended St. Patrick's High School, and later earned his GED. In 1967 Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division. During his service in Vietnam, Rick received a Purple Heart.
Following his discharge in '69, Rick returned home and went to work for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office then Union Pacific Railroad. In 1974 Rick began his career with law enforcement when he joined the North Platte Police Department. He worked until retiring in 2009 with the rank of Lieutenant and he enjoyed being a policeman.
Rick married Mary Medrano in 1971. They had four children and later divorced. In May 1999 Rick wed Cynthia Wonch and they made their home together in North Platte.
Rick was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree in Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and even rode to New York in 1998. He also enjoyed riding his horse (when they lived out south of town), and having coffee with his buddies. Rick loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and his service dog, Yuma. Kids always had a special place in his heart and to help those in need, he started the Santa Cop program in 1985 and this legacy continues today.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dick, and grandparents, Harold and Ellen Ryan; brothers, Tim and Bill Ryan; daughter-in-law, Michelle Ryan; and grandsons, Myles Ray Hill and Alexander Weir.
Rick leaves behind his wife, Cynthia, of North Platte, NE; mother, Margaret Ryan, of Omaha, NE; sons, Richard 'Mike' III Ryan, of North Platte, NE and Tim and Anthony Ryan, of Kearney, NE; daughters, Shawna Ryan (significant other, Matthew Northrup), of Grand Island, NE, Amy Adams, of Lincoln, NE, Heidi (Corby) Weir, of North Platte, NE and Trish (Ben) Wonch Kroeze, of Lincoln, NE; brothers, Mike (Terese) Ryan, of Omaha, NE and Vernon (Cynthia) Ryan, of Ft. Collins, CO; sister, Mary Ellen (Dan) Fogell, of Omaha, NE; sisters-in-law, Pamela Ryan, of Santa Rosa, CA, and Jody (Larry) Gipe, of North Platte, NE; grandchildren, Shaleena, Christeena, Gabriela, Wichoni, Stacy, Kylie, Brandon, Stazia, Draven, Claire, Noah, Jude, Simone, Aaron and Alexander; great-grandchildren, Briela, Alex, Eliana, Juniper and Nova; as well as many other family.
Services will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in North Platte. Rosary will be at 8:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. on Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Bridge of Hope or Santa Cop. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.