April 15, 1949 - June 07, 2022
Colonel Gary R. Ryden (Ret.) Obituary Colonel Gary R. Ryden (ret.) Gary was born April 15, 1949 to Arthur and Lucille (Bengston) Ryden. He was followed by three sisters, Jolene, Linda, and Joanne, completing this Cherokee, IA family. As they grew all four Ryden children worked in their Father�s dry cleaning establishment in Cherokee. Gary graduated from Washington High School, joined Air Force ROTC and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in business. He later earned an MBA, and participated in a number of Air Force continuing education opportunities. In 2001 Gary completed a 30-year career in the Air Force, having served a large number of domestic and foreign assignments. In 1976, Gary and Janet Nelson were married in Lakewood, WA near McCord AFB. She followed him on nearly all his assignments and loved being an Air Force spouse. Gary and Janet adopted two children from Korea in 1987, Karen Kristine and Paul Michael. Wherever the family was stationed they worshiped at the base chapel or joined a local Lutheran congregation. Upon retirement the Rydens moved to Spokane, fondly remembering this community from their time at Fairchild AFB. Gary loved to fish in many of the lakes near Spokane, was a solid golfer, winning bowler and a devoted Hawkeye (football) and Gonzaga Bulldog (basketball) fan. He loved their home on the South Hill and became an expert in pool maintenance. Janet reported that she got to sleep with the �pool boy�. Their daughter and granddaughter, living nearby, continue to be a constant support and joy in retirement Gary died June 7, 2022 at Hospice House of Spokane from heart failure and related complications. He is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Karen Ryden, granddaughter Audrey Provance and French Bulldog Darla. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Jolene Niemeyer (Roger), Linda Erickson (John), Joanne Wilson (Russ), a bevy of nieces and nephews as well as Janet�s extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Paul, cousin Denny Anderson and many friends. Burial with Military Honors will be Thursday, June 30, 2022, 1:00 pm at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 2, 2022, 1:00 pm at St. Mark�s Lutheran Church, 316 E 24th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99203. All are welcome! Memorials may be given to St. Mark�s or to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, 608 W 2nd, Ste. 309, Spokane, WA 99201-4430 � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Colonel Gary, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events JUN 30 Visitation Thursday, June 30, 2022 10:00AM - 12:00PM Heritage Funeral & Cremation 508 North Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 Get Directions View Map Text Email JUN 30 Graveside Thursday, June 30, 2022 1:00PM Washington State Veterans Cemetery 21702 W Espanola Rd Medical Lake, WA 99022 Medical Lake, WA 99022 Get Directions V
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