John Ryberg

John B. Ryberg suddenly passed away of natural causes in Eau Claire on December 23, 2024. He was born August 30, 1945 to Patricia and Walter Ryberg in Eau Claire. He graduated from Regis High School. After HS, John enlisted for four years in the United States Air Force and served in Okinawa and other US Air Force bases while being trained as a jet engine mechanic.

After completing his military experience, he started college at UW-Eau Claire and one year later transferred to UW-Stout majoring in a BS Degree-Industrial Technology and minoring in Building Construction. He held part time work in a clothing retail store and took training as an EMT and began working at Menomonie Memorial Hospital as an EMT. After college graduation, he owned and operated a small construction business for ten years and built 80 homes during this time. He then began working at UW-Eau Claire in Facilities, then next as Director of Facilities in the Menomonie School District. He later transitioned as Director of Facilities at UW-Superior. He then worked in School Finance for the Department of Education for the state of Minnesota.

John continued as a life -long learner taking graduate level courses and seminars. He also taught night school technical school courses in woodworking through Chippewa Valley Technical College and Building Construction courses at UW-Stout.

While attending UW-Stout, John met Diane Hjelle and they were married December 27,1969. After her MS Degree in Family and Consumer Education and five years of teaching, they had three children: Heidi, Heather, and John Bryan. John and Diane became very active as parents in the activities of their children, including: Sukuki Violin, Band, Volleyball Cross Country, Swimming, Hockey, and Gymnastics. For the past eighteen years, he enjoyed his grandchildren. Heidi: Morgan and Signe; Heather, Zachary; and John Bryan/ Katie: Aleena, and Mallory.

John's hobbies included fishing, hunting, and woodworking of all kinds. He took many courses to strengthen his skills in wood carving and turning. Everyone loved his gifts of his work for Christmas, weddings, and special occasions.

John is especially noted for his values and goals with giving back to the community and to his family. His character qualities included integrity, courage, honesty, and loyalty were among his strongest assets. He loved his family and they loved him for his sense of humor, patience, love, and understanding. The family traveled to many US sites camping in a tent or the 23' Winnebago Motor Home with many fond memories of their experiences.

A private family and military honors service will be held on January 18, 2025. Memorials my be made to the donor's choice or designated to Saving Grace building fund or the youth scholarship for woodworking and turning at Vesterheim Museum, Decorah, Iowa.

John is deeply missed by family and friends.

A private family and military honors service will be held on January 18, 2025.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.