Dale Eugene Ryks

The funeral service is live-streamed at:  Dale Ryks Memorial Service (youtube.com)

Dale E. Ryks, age 68, of Willmar, passed away Monday evening, August 5, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at the Willmar Assembly of God Church. Interment will be at Bunde Christian Reformed Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 9, at the Willmar Assembly of God Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com.

Dale Eugene Ryks was born on July 12, 1956, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Gordon and Mae (Brouwer) Ryks. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1974. In 1976, Dale was married to Michelle Corey and they made their home in Willmar and Mitchell, SD. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 12 years as a Track Inspector Foreman. Dale worked at Jennie-O Foods as a Shipping Supervisor for 34 years and retired in June of 2022. After many years together, Dale was united in marriage to Pauline Hauschild on February 14, 2017, and they made their home near Willmar. 

Dale had a passion for fishing. He was active with the Little Crow Anglers and Minnesota Walleye Tournament Trail. He loved teaching his children, grandchildren, step-children, and step-grandchildren how to fish. He also loved fishing with his buddies…old and new. 

Dale and Pauline enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii and Florida, spending time at Sherwood Forest, and visiting with people wherever they went. He had a big heart and loved life to the fullest. He was strong and courageous. Dale also enjoyed hunting and working with his hands. He was always doing something around his yard, new shop or house.

On January 7, 2024, Dale was diagnosed with esophageal and liver cancer, which he fought courageously.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pauline; three children, Kristofer (and Kris) Ryks of New London, Angela (and Rod) Edlund of Alexandria and Justin (and Katie) Ryks of Grove City; three stepchildren, Derek (and Jody) Moen of Canby, Ashley Moen (and Joe Petersen) of Lakeville and Cody (and Heather) Moen of Ivanhoe; and fifteen grandchildren. Also surviving is his mother, Mae Ryks of Willmar; six siblings, Diane (and Cal) Miner of Willmar, Duane (and Sandy) Ryks of Wasilla, AK., Debra (and Steve) Hustoft of Brooklyn Park, Dwight (and Robin) Ryks of Kandiyohi, Dean (and Kathy) Ryks of New London and Dan (and Kathi) Ryks of St. Paul; his mother-in-law, Kathryn Hauschild of Marshall, besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Ryks; a son in infancy, Kyle; and his father-in-law, LeRoy Hauschild.