Ishpeming – Robert "Robbie" Ryan, age 86, longtime Ishpeming resident and more recently of Negaunee passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.

Robert was born October 8, 1929 in Ishpeming, MI the son of the late Thomas F. and Gyda (Gellein) Ryan.  He grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School.  Robbie went on to attend the Detroit Business College for 2 years.  He married Barbara Demmer in 1951 and together they raised two children.  Robbie had worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. in the Research Lab for 30 years, retiring as Research Lab Boss.

Robbie was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church along with the Ishpeming Elks.  He enjoyed painting and wood carving along with time spent in the outdoors.  While in the outdoors he especially like to fish and taught his fishing skills to his children and grandchildren.  Robbie also loved going to camp and stopping in at the Cozy Inn.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Ryan of Ishpeming, son Randy (Teresa) Ryan of Ishpeming, grandchildren – Gabe (Sarah) Ryan and Gina Ryan both of Ishpeming, 3 great grandchildren – Lilly, Emma and Samuel, and a sister Helen Laub of Indianapolis, IN.  He was preceded in death by a daughter Gail Brown and a brother Lawrence Ryan.

The Ryan Family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Friday, October 7, 2016 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at Bjork & Zhulkie at 1:00pm with the Rev. Fr. Larry Van Damme to officiate.  Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The Ryan family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility for their kind and compassionate care.

Robbie's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .