Elaine Ryan

Elaine Ryan, 88, formerly of Lansing, passed away peacefully October 16, 2017 in Alexandria, MN. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, October 21 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.

Elaine was born December 8, 1928 to Ken and Elaine Green and lived most of her life in Lansing. Elaine had many talents and interests. She loved to paint, bake, sew, read, travel, write and learn. Her adventurous spirit took her backpacking solo through Europe several times, always traveling by train and lodging in youth hostels. When she was 80, she rode an elephant in South Africa. She loved the mountains of Colorado and could often be found standing at the peak of Mt. Evans in shorts and a wool sweater. She loved family. She will be dearly missed.

Elaine is survived by her four children: Teri (Bill) Rethwisch of Lansing, Ken (Heidi) Ryan of Alexandria, MN, Mark (Linda) Ryan of Dacula, GA and Carol (David) Wilkie of St. Paul, MN; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Elaine was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Ryan; her parents, Ken and Elaine Green of Postville; and two brothers, Theodore and Edward Green.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.