Roger Van Ryzin

Roger Van Ryzin of Cedar Community in West Bend passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, while living at the Cottages at Cedar Run.

Roger was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Freedom, Wis., to Roger T. and Grace (nee Wenzlaff) Van Ryzin. He spent his childhood years in Freedom and moved to Appleton, Wis., as a young teen.

He married Kathleen Scholz in September 1957, and they were happily married for a beautiful 55 years until her death in 2012. They had five children together.

In 2014, Roger rekindled his earlier friendship with Joan Petersen, and they were married on Oct. 22, 2016. They enjoyed 10 years of love and adventure before Roger’s passing. They visited Joan’s home state of Maine several times and enjoyed many relaxing trips to Door County, a favorite destination.

Roger graduated from Appleton High School in 1951 and studied at Lawrence University, majoring in music.

He served in the Korean War and was part of an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on May 11, 2019.

Roger was an avid golfer and bowler, playing in several leagues throughout the years. As a younger man, Roger also enjoyed playing baseball and fishing.

Music was a big part of his life, from playing the trombone in high school and college to singing his favorite hymns and listening to Big Band music. He and Joan took ballroom dancing lessons and enjoyed many hours of dancing, particularly the waltz and foxtrot.

Roger is survived by his wife Joan; four children, Carrie Van Ryzin of Neenah, Wendy (Tom) Haase of West Bend, Doug (Pam) Van Ryzin of Winneconne and Lisa (Scott) Resch of Fond du Lac; a brother, David Van Ryzin of Appleton, as well as nine grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathleen; a daughter, Marcy; two sisters, Dolores (Allen) Van Eperen-Bergholtz and Sharon (Norbert) Johnson; and one brother, Terrence Van Ryzin.

Roger’s faith was very important to him, guiding and sustaining him throughout his life. He loved singing hymns, participating in committees and helping with reading and communion. He also enjoyed and valued the teachings of Pastor Josh.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4860 Arthur Rd., Slinger, Wis., with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service starting at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Cottages at Cedar Run, St. Luke Lutheran Church or Partners in Caring at Cedar Community.

A heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at The Cottages at Cedar Run for their loving care of Roger the past one-and-half years.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Roger’s arrangements.

Additional information and a guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.