Daniel "DM" M. Ryan, 83

Daniel "DM" M. Ryan, age 83 of Waukon and formerly of Fredericksburg, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at the Northgate Care Center in Waukon from Covid-19. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements. Dan enjoyed attending funerals, and we know he would have loved to have everyone gather for his own funeral, but due to Covid-19 the family has decided against an in-person gathering. The family will hold a private prayer service with inurnment to be held at a later date.
     Daniel Michael Ryan was born August 25, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Daniel Joseph and Mary Alice (Mellick) Ryan. DM lost his parents at a young age and he and his younger brother Dale were raised by their aunt Marcella (Mellick) Johnson. As a child, the doctors said that he wouldn’t live past 45 due to epilepsy. DM graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon in 1957, and then did various jobs before joining Smith Asphalt as a truck driver in the 1960s. This took him to New Hampton and Fredericksburg, where he lived most of his adult life. Due to health concerns, DM went on to other pursuits and was always willing to lend a hand. He especially liked helping out at his brother’s auctions and at the Drewelow fur trading business in Fredericksburg.
     DM enjoyed attending auctions, family reunions, parades, and was always taking photos. He saved photos and clippings of everyone he had ever met. DM took great pride in his niece and nephews and especially enjoyed attending their high school sporting events. He was great with numbers and liked to play cards with friends. DM was popular with the ladies; the love of his life was Esther Shumate. They spent many happy years together in Fredericksburg, where he was affectionately known as Buddy-O, and had a continuous garage sale running.
     DM made friends everywhere he went and enjoyed chatting with neighbors and friends who always watched out for him. He loved his aunts and cousins and would often drive to Waukon to spend the evening with them. His cousins cannot be thanked enough for their great kindness and open hearts. He also held a special place in his heart for Kathy and Amy Ryan, considering both of them to be very good cooks. Kathy could always get him to smile. One of his happiest days was his 70th birthday party, when all his family and friends gathered to celebrate with him.
     He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law: Dale and Kathy Ryan of Protivin; three nephews: Thomas D. Ryan (Deirdre Egan-Ryan) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Patrick E. Ryan of Decorah, and Michael V. Ryan (Erin) of Decorah; and a niece Beth Ryan of Minneapolis, Minnesota; five great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins in Waukon and other places. He was preceded in death by his parents, his special friend Esther Shumate, and many aunts and uncles.
     Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.