Ivan Ryan

Ivan was born February 3, 1929 in Marquette, the son of Ivan and Mamie (Kivela) Ryan. He was raised in Marquette and was a 1946 graduate of Graveraet High School and a 1954 graduate of Northern Michigan University. Ivan’s career in education covers time at Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, Menominee and Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School Districts, the Michigan Department of Education at the University of Michigan, and several high schools in the U.P. (Newberry, Gwinn and Menominee). His duties included counseling and coaching, working as a Projects Director, being the Director of Career Technical Education, as well as sitting on numerous committees and boards at the state and local levels.

Ivan enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1946. He served as a Technician Fifth Grade and served two tours of duty in Japan for the Korean War as he was in the Army Reserves. He was decorated with an Army of Occupation Medal in Japan as well as a World War II Victory Medal.

After graduating from NMU, Ivan became a member of their Alumni Board of Directors at its inception in the late 1950s until the expiration of his term of office in 1988. While he was Regional Vocational Administrator and Director of the Area Vocational Center in the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, Ivan took every opportunity to help develop and maintain a good working relationship between NMU and the ISD. He recommended many students and student athletes to his alma mater. As a cornerstone in the development of the Alumni Association and for his years of support and tireless service to NMU, Ivan was a recipient of the Alumni Service Award in October of 1990.

One of Ivan’s far reaching legacies involved the continued development of vocational programs and opportunities at the Delta-Schoolcraft ISD. Ivan was instrumental in obtaining funding for the career Tech Center, which expanded career and technical programs for local school districts.

Ivan was united in marriage to Jean Ann Gillis-Micheau on July 5, 1985 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone where he was a faithful, supportive and active member.

Twice a year he hosted many friends from around the Upper and Lower Peninsulas for the festivities in Skanee (Ivan’s “little bit of heaven” on earth). Ivan’s motto: what happened at camp, stayed at camp.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Ryan of Gladstone, sons, Daniel Ryan of South Range, MI, Michael Ryan of Marquette, Jason (Angela) Micheau of Gladstone; grandchildren, Abigail and Jacob Micheau and Shannon (Josh) Jupe; great grandchildren, Kayleigh Bratonia and Karter Jupe; the mother of his children, Dorothy Larson Ryan, his brother, Bill Ryan of Marquette, nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law (Nancy and Cathy), and mother-in-law Hazel Gillis, and many life long friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard and his parents.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 19 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Memorial services will follow at 11:30 AM with Rev. Caroline Hart officiating. A luncheon will be served following the services in the fellowship hall. Ivan will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the DSISD Hampton-Ryan Scholarship or the MUMC Memorial Fund.

The Ryan family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. For additional information go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.

An Ivan Ryan comes along once in a lifetime…