Midge Ryan

Midge Ryan, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. Midge was born on November 29, 1947 in Detroit, daughter of Lucian and Ann (McKay) Keppel. She was raised in the Detroit area and graduated from Cooley High School in 1965. Midge continued her education at Oakland University where she graduated in 1971, and eventually earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Northern Michigan University in 1999. On November 30, 1968, Midge married Peter Ryan in Rochester, MI. Pete and Midge enjoyed over 50 years of marriage. Together they raised a beautiful family. Midge was a kind, loving, free-spirit, always full of positive energy, and always brought joy to those around her. Her upbeat sense of humor, contagious laughter and unqualified acceptance of all people made her unique. For almost 72 years, Midge tenaciously chose LIFE. She epitomized living each moment of every day fully. She cherished precious time with family and friends, preserved family culture, tradition, unity, and gave selflessly to all who knew her. She understood that serving others brings meaning, happiness and fulfillment. She was generous and shared her time, talents, spiritual and material gifts with all. Midge possessed the amazing qualities of persistently finding strength in weakness, calm in adversity, talent in all. Problems were viewed as opportunities for growth. She was, without qualification, always supportive and loving toward each person irrespective of age, social status, race, creed, religion, and ethnic background. Midge built friendships for life and developed loving relationships with everyone she met. She loved life and advocated for those who could not do so on their own, cared for all creation, and was spontaneous, fearless and joyous. People loved to spend time with Midge. Living and playing in nature and on the water was a huge part of her life. She relished sharing those experiences with others. Midge was dedicated to a lifetime of teaching by word, deed, and example. Her teaching career spanned over 22 years, including 15 years of special education. She was passionate about the arts as cultural enrichment. She led the Iron Mountain High School Drama Club for 25 years and provided opportunities to all students for participation in musical and drama productions, which enriched the community. Dance, community choir and theater were important to her. She served as a dance instructor for hundreds of students in Dickinson and Iron Counties. Midge was also a music instructor, dance choreographer, producer, director, and performer in community activities including Badwater Ski-Ters, dance, chorus, and community theater. Midge taught us how to love unconditionally, live life to the fullest, never miss an opportunity and do all things with a positive attitude. Her caring nature and love for students made the Ryan home a destination for many kids to share warmth, food, fun and laughter. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Peter Ryan; children, Peter C. (Amy) Ryan of Saginaw, Melani (Dave) Lindbeck of Gladstone, and Benjamin (Lara) Ryan of Iron Mountain; seven grandchildren, Allison, Nickolas, Sydney and John Ryan, Jocelyn and Marianna Lindbeck, and Kurt Ryan; one brother, Chuck (Beth) Keppel of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; as well as many nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to mention. Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 4-7 pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral services will be held the following morning, Friday, August 16, 2019 at 11:00 am at the funeral home in Iron Mountain. Midge’s nephew, Rev. Lucus Keppel will officiate along with close family friend Chaplain Lauren Ivory Smyk. Burial will be held in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to DACF Friends of Camp Batawagama or Iron Mountain High School General Scholarship Fund. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Jean Ivory, Lorraine Siler, Arlene Lake, Mary Anne Larzelere, Martie Muzzy, Deb Reynolds, Sandy Stolarski and many others for the love, friendship, support and care provided to Midge over the past months and years. Condolences to the family of Midge Ryan may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Midge Ryan

November 29, 1947 - August 10, 2019