Dr. Francis Ryan, age 90, of Cambridge died October 13, 2015 at Cambridge Medical Center. A visitation will be held from 3:00 -5:00 P.M. Sunday, October 18th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 19th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti. Interment will be in Christ the King Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Cambridge American Legion.
Francis Spearing Ryan, age 90, of Cambridge, died peacefully on October 13, 2015 at Cambridge Allina Hospital.
Francis was born in St. Paul, one of eight children. He graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1943 and was then drafted for Army duty during World War II, earning the Purple Heart for his efforts during the Pacific Ocean theater. He then graduated from St. Thomas College in St. Paul and Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then returning to St. Paul to start his dental career. He met and married his beloved Maureen in 1967, moving to Cambridge soon afterward to start a family while establishing his own dental practice in nearby Isanti.
Francis enjoyed a variety of activities, such as learning Spanish, do-it-yourself home renovation, riding his motorcycle, and especially hunting and fishing in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana and Canada. As a practicing dentist with 50+ years of experience, he leaves behind a legacy of gentle dental care and excellent dentistry among many patients, including multi-generational families as well as people from nearby states and even Alaska.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen Ryan (married 47 years); his children Catherine (Terrence) Hugar, John Ryan, and Rachel Ryan; and grandchildren Joseph and Grace Hugar.
Laura Boyd says
Ryan Family, my heart is sad for you today. I never met Dr. Ryan, but through the eyes and heart of his daughter ,Rachel, I feel like I’ve known him for a long time. May God give you peace and never ending love during his celebration of life. Hugs to you Rachel.
Laura Boyd
Thomas Connolly says
Ryan Family, so sorry for your loss.. meet Dr Ryan years ago when my husband Tom went to see him about his teeth. Amazing Dr and amazing man.
Tom and Kristin
John & Sarah Burrows says
Maureen and family our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Francis was an amazing person who lived life and shared joy though his personality with everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Love
John & Sarah Burrows
Shirlee Gibbons says
Sorry I wasn’t able to be at the services. We will miss him dearly. He was a great person in our lives. I love you all. Shirlee Gibbons