MARSHFIELD – Donald Van Ryn “Don” passed away on October 19, 2018 with his family at his side at Atrium Post Acute Care of Marshfield. Funeral services will be held 11am on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (604 S. Chestnut Avenue) in Marshfield, with Rev. David Faulkner officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be at the church one hour prior to service at the church.

Don was born May 21, 1923 in Kewaunee, Illinois, son of Susan (Sternitzky) and William Van Ryn. He spent his youth in Marshfield graduating from Marshfield Senior High School, Class of 1941. During the summers of 1941 and 1942 Don could be found skating and managing the Wildwood Park Roller Rink. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving from December 9, 1942 until his honorable discharge, February 14, 1946.

Don was united in marriage to Darleen Seehafer on August 1947, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield. Following their marriage they moved to Chicago, Illinois where he was employed by his uncle, John E. Van Ryn, as shop foreman of General Artcraft Woodshop. After the untimely death of his uncle in 1966 Don moved his family to Waukesha, Wisconsin where he was a sales representative for Paxton Lumber Company of Chicago.  He met and exceeded his sales quotas numerous times over the years while covering the central and eastern territories of Wisconsin. He finished his woodworking career at Waukesha Training Center as woodshop manager for several years.

Following retirement in 1988, Don enjoyed photography sharing his handmade wood crafts with family and friends. Don and Darleen traveled to many states enjoying visits with family and friends including spending several winters in Sun City, Arizona.

December 1992 brought the couple back to Marshfield to become reacquainted with many cousins, and they became involved in local and church activities. For 24 years Don touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity while serving as a Front Desk Information Volunteer at Marshfield Medical Center, formally known as St. Joseph’s Hospital.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Darleen, their daughters, Karleen (James) Smith of Atlanta, Georgia and Lois (William) Stock of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and granddaughter, Brigitte (Tom) Esau of Annandale, Virginia and grandson, Jacob Stock of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He is further survived by sister-in-law Karen Ruder of Merrimack, New Hampshire and brother-in-law Marlyn (Susie Payne) Seehafer of Cincinnati, Ohio and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his sister Rose Mary, March 12, 1926, sister Theresa Ann, August 22, 1934, father William, August 22, 1934 and his mother Susan, September 30, 1946. He is also preceded in death by mother-in-law and father-in-law Clara (Ott) and Arthur Seehafer of Marshfield; as well as brother-in-law Charles Ruder of Merrimack, New Hampshire.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Marshfield Medical Center along with all the doctors, nurses, aides and chaplains from Ascension Hospice Care.  Memorials may be made in Don’s name to Immanuel Lutheran School.