The world feels a little colder without the warmth of Steven Michael Ryan, born May 22, 1950, in Illinois, who passed away on March 7, 2025. Steve’s remarkable life was shaped by his love of the outdoors — whether it was building, skiing, ATVing or simply soaking in the wild landscapes he cherished. After retiring from the Midwest, he found his true home in the mountains, where his passion for mountain life touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Steve was a man of many talents and interests. In his early years, Steve studied electrical engineering and civil engineering at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Milwaukee School of Engineering. He spent his career as an inspector for the Wisconsin power company. Raising his family in Oconomowoc, Wis., he retired at 55 years old and moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo. There, he became an active and respected member of his community, helping to establish the Pagosa Trail Riders ATV Club and joining the Gray Wolf Club at Wolf Creek Ski Area. He also dedicated his time to Habitat for Humanity, embodying the spirit of service and community.
Steve’s life was further enriched by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce Ryan, and their three cherished daughters, Autumn (Matt) Kappes, Shay (Eric) Lunseth and Shannon (Amelia) Dexter. The love he shared with his grandchildren, Katherine, Timmy, Steven, Grey, Aryanna and Leland, brought him immense joy in the final 16 years of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Ryan. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Ryan and Shirlee Harloff, who instilled in him the values of kindness, resilience and a deep devotion to family — values he carried with him throughout his life.
Steve’s legacy lives on through the memories he created, the people he touched and the communities he helped build. We invite friends and family to share their reflections, stories, and photos on his memorial page (https://cedarvalleyfuneral.com/obituaries/steven-ryan) as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of a man who gave so much of himself to others. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Steve’s honor or contributing to some of his favorite causes — Habitat for Humanity and the animal humane society.
As Emily Dickinson once wrote, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”
Though Steve is no longer with us in body, his love, his legacy and his light will continue to guide us forever.
