Kathleen Mary Ryan

Kathleen Mary Ryan, a 58-year-old resident of Wabasha, MN, passed away from lung cancer the evening of January 21, 2023, at Gundersen-St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Kathleen was born on August 10, 1964, at the U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA. Her father was Dr. James Edward Ryan, and her mother was Shirley Ann (Hosman) Ryan. She was the youngest of five living children. She is survived by her son, Adam Ryan (26) of Wabasha, and her two other biological children, Jezelle Ryan (32) and Matthew Powers (29). Both Matthew and Jezelle were adopted to loving families as infants, yet still kept in touch with Kathleen throughout the years. Kathleen is also survived by her siblings: Barbara Schlanger (Richard); Alan Ryan (Jean); Roger Ryan (Diana); and Dan Ryan (Jan). She was preceded in death by her infant brother Billy and her parents.
Kathleen was raised in Mobridge, SD, until she was 16 years old when her family moved to Minot, ND. Shortly after moving, they moved again to Sioux Falls, SD, where she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1983. As a young girl, Kathleen loved any activity that involved the Missouri River, swimming, boating, inner tubing, water skiing, and camping. Following her love of water, she was a lifeguard in Sioux Falls. She went on to major in Physical Education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
Kathleen moved from Sioux Falls, SD, to Wabasha in 2008 with her young son Adam, becoming a resident of the Wabasha Maple Grove Apartments.
Kathleen had close friends, acquaintances, and supporters locally in Wabasha. She was devoted to her son Adam, who lived across the street from her. She also enjoyed the companionship of her affectionate cat, Kitty-Kitty, who is now cared for by her son, Adam. Her absence will be felt by him and all who knew and loved her.
True to her younger years, Kathleen was a social person. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors, having coffee with a friend, or talking with family and friends on the phone and through social media. She loved sending greeting cards (almost a lost art) for all occasions and looked forward to getting cards in return. The extensive selection of greeting cards she owned was her “Little Hallmark.”
Most importantly, Kathleen believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and trusted in His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead for her salvation and eternal life in heaven. We say goodbye to Kathleen just for now, and we will miss her until we see her again.
Many thanks to the Gundersen-St. Elizabeth’s Hospital medical/surgical team for the comfort care and kindness the staff gave to Kathleen in her final days. All who knew Kathleen are invited to her Celebration of Life in the Community Room of the Maple Grove Apartment 730 Building on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 12 noon in Wabasha. Lunch will be provided.