Ellen M. Ryan

Rensselaer-Ellen Marie Ryan, age 64, of Edgerton, WI, passed away on July 16, 2026, at home. She was born in Albany, NY on March 7, 1962, the daughter of Richard and Ann (O'Donnell) Ryan.

She attended SUNY-Delhi, where she received an Associate's Degree in Nursing. Ellen married Allen F. Geske in 1982, at Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton. Ellen and Allen were later divorced, but despite this, continued to get together as often as possible to celebrate holidays and special occasions for their daughters and grandchildren.

Ellen worked at the Edgerton Hospital as a CNA and as a Physical Therapy Assistant, as well, before taking a position as a home health aide, which she genuinely loved. She was a natural caretaker for her entire life! Ellen was proud of her Irish heritage and was a woman of faith. She liked collecting Native American memorabilia. She had a huge and generous heart, and she was a wonderful friend to all who had the treasure of knowing her. Ellen (or "El" as her New York family sometimes referred to her) was passionate about all animals but especially loved her dogs and cats. She enjoyed the simple life, having a good cup of coffee or a diet coke, and gardening (always pulling the weeds)! She had fond memories of visiting Cape Cod throughout her lifetime and of visiting Ireland when she was younger. Most of all though, family was her whole world. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and attending their various sporting events and activities, always the cheerleader, always rooting someone on.

Ellen is survived by 2 daughters; Jennifer (Shane Shinkay) Geske of Milton and Kara (Alex) Witt of Edgerton; 7 grandchildren: Amber (Doug) Wnuk, Nolan Geske-Podewels, Anya Shinkay, Liam Geske, Alexis "Lexie" (Garrett) Witt, Xander and Aydin Witt; 2 great grandchildren; Finnegan McKay and Wylder Wnuk; mother, Ann Ryan Of Rensselaer, NY; 3 siblings: Susan (Daniel) Shook of Rensselaer, NY, Julie (Alan) Bashant of Wynantskill, NY and Matthew (Roberta) Ryan Of Rensselaer, NY; and many other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard; and aunt, Jean O'Donnell.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 10:00 -11:30 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick Street in Rensselaer. A funeral Mass will follow the calling hours at 11:30 am at church.