David R. Van Ryzin passed away at the age of 90 on April 1, 2026. Dave was born on October 18, 1935, in Freedom, Wisconsin to Roger and Grace (Wenzlaff) Van Ryzin. He spent his childhood years in Freedom and later moved to Appleton, Wisconsin.

Dave married Barbara Kufner on May 10, 1958 and they enjoyed 44 wonderful years together before her death in 2002. Early in their marriage, Dave served in the U. S. Army stationed in Texas. Upon his discharge, he and Barb returned to Appleton to her family home after the death of her mother to help her father raise her 3 younger siblings. Dave was a devoted father and family man, helping support a growing household that numbered 11 with the births of his and Barb’s 5 children. At times he worked several jobs to sustain the family budget and retired from a lengthy career with Riverside Papers. Dave and Barb had a loving marriage and lived a life of true Christian faith, mentoring and tutoring many families in the Hmong community and opening their home to several exchange students from other countries over the years. Dave was also very active in his parish as a lifelong member of St. Therese Church. He volunteered on several mission trips with the Fox Valley Mission Group to Nicaragua, Honduras and also Kentucky, helping with building projects in impoverished areas. He was a volunteer driver for St. Joseph Food Pantry for several years, picking up donated food items from local stores and restaurants. Dave shared his love of the outdoors with his family through hunting and fishing. He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather, making a special effort to attend sporting events and other special moments in their lives. Dave was honored to participate in the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2023.

Through St. Therese parish, Dave sparked a relationship with June Hiebing, a fellow parishioner, who had also lost her spouse, Fred. They found love again, married and enjoyed a full life together before her death in 2012. Dave and June loved to travel and experienced many warm weather destinations. Both families grew up in the parish community and were thankful that their parents found happiness for their second phase of life. Dave’s children appreciate the ongoing care and engagement of the Hiebing family with Dave over the years, including him in their lives and family celebrations.

Dave is survived by his five children, Pamela (Kim) Beck, Bruce (Patty) Van Ryzin, Jeff Van Ryzin, Steve (Dee) Van Ryzin, and Michelle (Erick) Thompsen, grandchildren Jacob Van Ryzin, Josh (Becki) Van Ryzin, Troy (fiancé Allison Blaser ) Thompsen, Jack Thompsen, Grace Thompsen, and Benedict (significant other Colleen Klocko) Beck, great-grandchild Theo Van Ryzin, sisters-in-law Jean Wojahn and Glenda Kufner, brothers-in-law John Kufner and Ernie Meulemans, several very special godchildren, and extended Hiebing family, Greg (Joan) Hiebing, Cindy (Ted) Heegeman, Pam (Jay) Cornell, and Toni (Lonnie) Meinke, including numerous step-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, second wife, June, two brothers, Roger Van Ryzin and Terrence Van Ryzin, two sisters Dolores (Allen) Van Eperen-Bergholtz and Sharon (Norbert) Johnson.

A funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 213 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton, WI at 11:00 AM with Father Ryan Starks officiating. Visitation will be held at the church 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Vets & Friends of Wisconsin Inc. (vetsandfriendsofwisconsin.org), where Dave enjoyed weekly meals on Wednesdays and camaraderie with his fellow veterans.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to dad’s wonderful neighbors on Nicholas Street who kept him included and watched out for him in his later years, to Isabella with Christian Servants for her devoted in-home care the past several months, to Silverstone Memory Care for their compassionate care the past several weeks, as well as Moment’s Hospice for their guidance and support in his final days.