Rick Ryno

Rickey “Rick” Ryno, 67, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 after a long battle with cancer at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, and is now in the arms of his Lord.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 East Glenlord Rd, St. Joseph, with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville or Grace Lutheran Church. Those wishing to leave a memory of Rick online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Rick was born May 11, 1951 in Benton, Harbor to Erwin & Thelma (Wood) Ryno. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1969 and attended Lake Michigan College where he met his wife Cheryl of 46 years and also had the pleasure of becoming a member of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. Rick was an avid sports fan, he loved watching Nascar racing, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and the Michigan Wolverines play. When he wasn’t watching sports, he was refereeing them. He reffed football, volleyball, as well as umpired many baseball games at Eaton Park. He was also an avid hunter. He was a proud member of Grace Lutheran Church where he participated on their softball and golf league. Rick was a previous member of Southwest Michigan Officials Association and Michigan High School Athletes Association in which he had the opportunity to ref a state final game 2008/2009.  Rick is survived by his wife Cheryl; son Jason; daughter Jennifer (Ben); two grandchildren Kayla & Travis; his mother Thelma, sister Vicki & Sandra (Ed), sister-in law Sylvia, niece Cindy (Tony) nephew Jimmy (Evita) Anton& Syndey. Rick was preceded in death by his father Erwin and his brother Kenneth. His absence will be felt by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.