Kathleen M. Ryan

Kathleen “Kathy” Mary (Hammen) Ryan, age 74, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, in Kauai, Hawaii with her daughters by her side.   

Kathy was born February 7, 1949, in Ripon, the daughter of Orice and Mary Hammen.  She graduated from Ripon High School in 1967 and completed her studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was during her time at UW that she met Jim Ryan, whom she married and had two daughters with. 

Her career led her to work for various government agencies ranging from the CIA, NOAA, and USDA. Kathy also dabbled in real estate as well as a paralegal. She had a knack for numbers and math. Despite having many positions, she prioritized her time with her daughters and loved them dearly. She was Melissa’s youth soccer coach. She was very involved in their interests, so she attended the girls’ practices, games, performances, school events, and graduations. Kathy adored them and Motherhood was her favorite role by far. 

Kathy enjoyed going to Green Lake, boating, golf, camping, bowling, dancing, and gardening.  She was most engaged when playing cards (Bridge Buck Up, poker), reading novels, watching the sunrise, going to church, and socializing with friends. 

Kathy enjoyed her early retirement and in 2018, she moved to Kauai, Hawaii to be close to her grandson, Merrick. She lived on the property with her eldest daughter, Melissa (Eric) Bachmann. She loved to be so close to her grandson to witness his milestones, and they shared many laughs. 

Kathy was a member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, WI. She would attend the Breakfast Club with friends from the fellowship. She continued to attend bible studies with the UCC in Hawaii and attended with her Island Ohana (family). 

Survivors include her daughters, Melissa (Eric) Bachmann of Kauai, HI and Amanda (Donald) Ngai of Sherman Oaks, CA; a grandson, Merrick Bachmann; sisters, Holly (Jim) Clarke of Ripon, WI and Peggy (Dave) Monte of Menomonee Falls, WI; a brother-in-law, Dave (Barb) Ninnemann of Green Lake, WI; as well as cousins and second cousins that she treasured. Kathy is further survived by nieces and nephews with their children and grandchildren that she loved and cared for. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Orice Hammen; mother, Mary Kay Hammen; sister, Julie Ninnemann; and brother-in-law, Jay Clarke. 

Visitation for Kathy Ryan will be held from 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971. A memorial service for Kathy will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating.  You may view a livestream of Kathy's service at 10:00 am by clicking here LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will take place at Fairwater Cemetery, Fairwater, WI. A lunch reception will be held and announced on the day of the service. A memorial is being established in her name.