John Ryks

John G. Ryks, age 87, of Willmar, died Wednesday afternoon, November 25, at Rice Therapy Suites in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church in Raymond. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, November 30, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church in Raymond and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

John George Ryks was born February 15, 1928, on the family farm in Crooks Township,
Renville County, Minnesota, the son of George and Alice (Butenhoff) Ryks. He attended country school and worked on the family farm. On August 4, 1950, John was united in marriage to Elaine Hayunga at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. They made their home in Raymond where he owned and operated a sheet metal business. In 1964, they moved to a farm north of Prinsburg and became engaged in farming. In 1972, they moved to Willmar and John began working as a truck driver for Willmar Poultry Company, retiring in 1991. Since 2008, he has resided at Copperleaf Senior Living in Willmar.

John was a member of the Raymond Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed camping with Elaine and traveling with their camping group. He also enjoyed attending auctions and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan.

John is survived by two sons, Donovan (and Carol) Ryks of Kandiyohi and Darold (and Janet) Ryks of Rapid City, SD; five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (and LuAnn) Ryks of Howard Lake, MN, Harold (and Lorraine) Ryks of Willmar, and Gordon (and Mae) Ryks of Willmar; two sister, Judy (and Merle) Kluver of New London and Dellis (and Charles) Campbell of Shakopee; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine in 2001; two brothers, Alan and George; a sister, Mary Ann; and a grandson, Christopher.

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