John J. Ryba Jr., 91, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021. He was born on August 10, 1929 in Chicago. IL to the late John J. Sr. and Kathryn (Goga) Ryba. John served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 in the Korean War. He continued his service to the country by serving in the Army Reserves for the next 13 years. On October 9, 1954 he was united in marriage to Gertrude Styczynski at St. John Cantius Church in Sobieski. He was employed with Procter & Gamble for 38 years, retiring in 1990. He also worked at Robert Hall for many years prior to entering politics.
John was involved in the local government for 23 years, serving on the city council and county board. He was the vice president of the Metropolitan Sewer District for 11 years, an elected state representative for 10 years and the past president of the Brown County Highway Commission. John was a 32 year member of the Elks Lodge 259 where he served as Exalted Ruler and was Chairman of Trustees. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #11 as well as the VFW. He was also a member of the National Association of Power Engineers. In his free time John coached Little League baseball. He enjoyed talking with people, dancing, and playing cards, especially sheepshead.
John and Gert were longtime members of Annunciation where he volunteered as an usher. They later became members at St. Agnes Parish where he was a member of the Men’s Club and continued to serve as an usher for many years.
Music was in John’s blood. He played the accordion and harmonica wherever and whenever he could.
John and Gert enjoyed many vacations together, traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe, including three trips to Poland visiting relatives who lived there.
In 2015 John and Gert moved to Emerald Bay Assisted Living where he made many new friends, especially Ron, whom he talked with often. John will be missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched.
John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Gertrude; three children, Sue (Cal) Berg, Sandy (Richard) Matuszak, Steve Ryba; seven grandchildren, Nick (Crystal), Kristy, Michelle, Brett (Rebecca), Rachel (Joel), Paula, and Ashlee; 10 great grandchildren, Logan, Mason, Kaylee, Kamden, Kaelen, Brennan, Brice, Azura, Ezra, and Everett; he is further survived by two sisters, Mary Smith and Bernice Gutowski; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Leo (Agnes) Styczynski; siblings, Frank, Helen, Joseph, Albert, Edward, Anna, Sophie, Leonard, Michael, and Chester; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law, a niece, and several nephews.
Visitation will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 9th Street on Friday, January 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Parish Wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Military Honors will immediately follow the Mass. The Mass will be live-streamed for those not attending in person and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1iGCyWYCtLEScmsuv0TSQ John will be buried at Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences please visit www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com. To send a card, please mail to Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay 54303 with attention to the family of John Ryba.
A special thank you is extended to the 2nd Floor East Wing Staff of Emerald Bay, as well as Heartland Hospice for their genuine, compassionate care given to John and his family.
