Cornelius Van Ryen

Col. Cornelius 'Pete' Van Ryen, age 66, N8983 Belliveau Road, Tomahawk, died from complications of congestive heart failure and cancer on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander, with his wife and children by his side. Pete was born May 23, 1943 in Tomahawk, the son of Peter C. and Margaret (Rell) Van Ryen. He married Blanche 'Bing' Roberts on April 26, 1961 in Minnesota. Pete formerly drove over the road for Kramer's Construction Company. He and Bing owned and operated Avenue Bar, Pete's Pump, and Total Auctions. Pete could entertain friends and family for hours with his jokes, poems, and story-telling. He enjoyed going down to the river, out to his hunting shack, going on hunting trips to Idaho, and spoiling his puppy - Peaches. He kept his family fed, clothed, and loved. Survivors include: Wife of 48 years Blanche 'Bing' Van Ryen Mother Margaret Van Ryen Orlowski Children Debby (Jeff) Ingman Becky (Chester) Jaecks Tracy (Phil) Keifer Casey (Kayla Boomer) Van Ryen Sister Alice Meisenheimer all of Tomahawk Grandchildren Dan Paulson, Amanda Jaecks, Katy Ingman, Amanda Van Ryen, Melinda Van Ryen, Holly Jaecks, Erin Jaecks, Susie Van Ryen Great grandchild Dallas Pete is further survived by 14 granddogs. He was preceded in death by his father, and son - Larry in 2004. A Mass of Christian Burial for Cornelius 'Pete' Van Ryen will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Fr. John Anderson will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday, September 28th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service to begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Tomahawk.