Raymond A. "Ray" Ryan, 81, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center, following a short illness surrounded by his adoring family.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend to all. Ray was born January 11, 1936, to Joseph and Alice (Lynch) Ryan in rural Dubuque County. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1953. Ray proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. He grew up working on his and several other family farms forging the strong work ethic that would lead him through his (40) year career as a plumber, working as an independent contractor for the last (18) years until his retirement in 2000.

He was a diehard Green Bay Packer and Iowa Hawkeye fan, and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, who savored every minute of their 2016 Championship run. Ray was also a NASCAR fan, cheering for anyone driving a Ford. He enjoyed dinner and cards with friends, watching his granddaughters playing volleyball, and especially loved occasionally babysitting for the grand dogs and grand cats. His favorite routing was weekday breakfast with his friends and weekend breakfast with his sons. Ray was very active in the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Adoration chapel, and the East Dubuque Knights of Columbus Council #7527.

In early 1962 he met the love of his life, Gail (Theisen) Ryan and they were married on November 24, later that same year. Ray and Gail have three (3) children, Renee (Rick) Golinvaux, of Prior Lake, MN, Joe Ryan, of East Dubuque, IL, and Ron (Lisa) Ryan, also of East Dubuque, IL. He has been blessed with two (2) granddaughters, Kaylee and Lindsey Ryan, of East Dubuque, IL.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A/M, on Friday, February 17, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 170 Montgomery Avenue, East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating.

Friends may visit from 3 P/M to 8 P/M, on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1185 IL 35 N., East Dubuque, where there will be a parish scripture service at 3 P/M, on Thursday.

Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Ray is survived by two (2) sisters, Eileen Beaves and Kay Steuck; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Geri Ryan, Andy Ryan, Wayne (Gerry) Theisen, Karen Michels, Debbie Theisen and Mike (Donna) Theisen. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice Ryan; parents-in-law, Matt and Peg Theisen; brothers, Paul and Bill Ryan; brothers-in-law, Ted Beaves, Bob Steuck, and Elmer Michels; and niece, Margaret Michels.

The family would like to "thank" the Doctors and entire Nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque for their exceptional level of care during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com