Ryan Funeral Home

05/31/2026

Leonard Harold Kellner

Leonard Harold Kellner, De Pere, passed away at home on Friday, May 29, 2026.

After graduating from Green Bay East High School, Len served his country through a tour of Vietnam 1967 – 1969 as part of the U.S. Army. Upon his return he worked at Millprint in the 1970’s and early 80’s. Len later discovered his passion for golf, leading him to work at the Golf Shack. His love for the sport and entrepreneur courage led him to open his own store, Tee to Green, which he operated for two decades, also briefly running a driving range. A golf tournament was his tv viewing of choice.

Beyond his professional life, Len was a lover of automobiles, he bought, fixed, and restored to varying degrees no fewer than five Plymouth Barracudas before he got busy with the store.

Len was a quiet man who often kept to himself, but his kindness shone through around his customers and the friends he made on the golf course. Those who knew him well remember his quiet strength, his passion for his work, and love for his family.

Len is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, son Jason (Lee), and grandsons Jared and Jesse, stepson Steve Giese and grandsons Ian and Ryan, and there Mother Lisa. His brother Donald (Vicki) Althaus. His nieces Gwen, nephews Rick, Rob, Andy, and CJ, as well as other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ethel, his father John, and stepfather Roger. His siblings; Tom, David, and Gerald Suess, his sisters; Mary Ann De Broux, and Kathleen Kellner Cross, as well as two nephews Mic and Brian.

Len would like to thank all his golfing friends for the fun and laughter on the golf course and to their visits at Tee to Green.

Lens family extends a special thank you to Peggy and Bill Wright for all the help you both have given to Len and Mary Ann. Lens family extends a special thank you to Dr. Gast, and Unity Hospice.

In accordance with his wishes, Len will be cremated, with no services. His final resting place will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, De Pere.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.

View Leonard Harold Kellner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/30/2026

Transformation often feels like ending, but it's also becoming. While loss changes us forever, it doesn't define us. With time and support, we discover we're stronger and more compassionate than we knew. If you're in the caterpillar stage right now- feeling the weight of transformation- know that beauty can emerge again. Give yourself time. Give yourself grace.

05/28/2026

Germaine S. Eichhorst

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Germaine Sharon Eichhorst, age 83, of Little Chute, WI, who died at 5:55 AM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, unfortunately not surrounded by loved ones as she should have wanted. Germaine was born November 22, 1942, in Green Bay, WI to Arthur Eichhorst and Alma (Knuth) Eichhorst and was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, Wayside, WI. She had an abundance of altruism towards others.

For over 30 years, she dedicated her career to the medical field at Valders Clinic, Valders, WI contributing seven years after to vital research. She also served on the Doctors’ Board at Theda Clark, Neenah, WI for five years. Beyond this career, her heart was always deeply passionate about supporting those in need with grace and generosity. She and her daughter also owned Crystal Clear Corporation, a new construction cleaning company, and they work together for over a decade.

In her quiet moments, she found peace in reading books, sewing, and handyman work. She also had a special love for baking, especially during the holidays, as she was known for her Dark Secret cookies which her granddaughter loved immensely, as well as her special apple pie, a family favorite that will be dearly missed. Germaine also loved riding her motorcycle for over 25 years, traveling, and exploring new places with Bill, as well as spending time behind the wheel, driving through the open highway and countryside with a sense of adventure. Her spirit and strength will live in our hearts.

She is survived by her daughter, Kellie Taves, granddaughter, Madison Taves, her boyfriend, Bill Jepson, her nephew, Dale Eichhorst, and niece, Cheryl (Grassell) Eichhorst, and nephew, Dennis Eichhorst and wife Ruth (Schwahn) Eichhorst.

Germaine was proceeded in death by Germaine’s mother, Alma (Knuth) Eichhorst, father, Arthur Eichhorst, and brother, Eldor Eichhorst and his wife, Lois (Stradel) Eichhorst, Dale Eichhorst’s wife Judy (Lorrigan) Eichhorst, and niece Cheryl (Grassell) Eichhorst’s husband, Bill Grassell.

Family and friends may come to call on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for visitation from 9:00am to 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church, Wayside, 8378 County W, Greenleaf, WI 54126. The funeral service will begin immediately following visitation at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Wayside.

Her legacy of care, adventure, spirit, passion and strength will remain in our hearts for all who knew her.

View Germaine S. Eichhorst's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

A sweet glimpse into the past!🍫

In this picture, Al Seroogy is hard at work making Turtles.

Fun fact: We still use the same method to make our Turtle candies today!

05/28/2026

Grief drains you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Caring for yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary. Gentle practices that help: Move your body with a short walk. Maintain sleep routines when possible. Stay hydrated and nourished. Say no without guilt. Journal or express feelings creatively. Accept help from others. You can't pour from an empty cup. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend going through loss.

05/26/2026

Tamra L. Ward

Tamra Lynn (Burton) Ward, 57, passed to eternal life surrounded by family and friends Saturday May 23, 2026, at the home of best friends Adelle and Steve Paul, Wescott Township, Shawano County, ending an often painful 2 year fight with cancer and its treatments. She was born June 5, 1968, in Fort Worth, TX. In 1977, her mother, Mary Holland, married Tamra’s now adoptive dad, Nathan Burton. The family spent 2 years in Iowa before moving to De Pere WI in 1980, and 5 years later called Mesquite, TX home, where she finished school.

In 1986, Tamra and Stuart Ward of Suamico, WI married in Dallas County, TX. Two children arrived, Rachael M. in Mesquite, TX and later Anthony S. in Colorado Springs, CO, before the four returned to De Pere where she remained from 1992, until death.

After time as a stay-home Mom, Tamra worked at Associated Bank’s call center and West De Pere branch, then in the office of a utility construction firm, at Ameriprise in auto insurance, Humana, BMO bank East Green Bay, and finally in branch management at Community First CU in Manitowoc. She and her dad particularly enjoyed working together in the firm they managed together in the 90’s. In each position customers were quite loyal and preferred returning later for Tamra’s help over another’s.

Tamra rarely imbibed, sought stronger faith, worked on prayer, liked Harley-Davidson bling, good coffee, positive message wall-hangings and several dogs & cats. A special Thank You goes to Community First Credit Union for great kindness and support even after she could work no longer.

Tamra is survived by her parents, a brother Nathan (Emmaline) Burton Jr in Killeen TX, by her children Rachael and Anthony, one granddaughter, Zaylee, close friends Adelle and Steve, estranged husband Stuart and former Mother-in-Law Stephanie Ward, Uncles Duane Burton and Dennis (Colleen) Burton, New London, Aunts Connie (Burton) Coe, Hortonville, Barbara (Burton) Redman, Phoenix, Patricia (Holland) Wilson, Edgewood, TX, and Jeanette (Holland) Berkley, Fort Worth, TX and numerous cousins.

Preceded in death by former Father-in-Law James Ward, Aunts Gerilyn (Duane) Burton, Annette (Maynard) Rosenberg, and Joanne (Burton) Finger, by Uncles Robert Finger, Uncles Arlin Burton, Roger (Barbara) Redman, Horace (Patricia) Wilson, and Dennis (Connie) Coe.

Friends are invited to Celebrate Tamra’s Life on Saturday June 6, 2026 at The Rock Garden in Green Bay from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Please send regrets or RSVP for details before June 5, 2026 on social media or email [email protected]

Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

View Tamra L. Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Looking to get out and enjoy the weather? Stop out and support the 49th Annual Town of Oneida Fireman’s Picnic on June 7th from 10am–6pm!

There will be:
• Antique tractor & car show
• Bean bag tournament
• Garden tractor pulls
• Silent auction
• Food, music, raffle prizes, and more!

A great day to support the local community and Oneida Fire Department.

05/25/2026

With deep respect and gratitude, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

05/22/2026

Heavenly Dream Cooper

Baby Heavenly Dream Cooper was born sleeping and gained her angel wings at birth. Though her time on earth was only for a moment, she was deeply loved from the very beginning and will forever remain a precious part of her family’s hearts.

Heavenly Dream was the beloved daughter of Jasmin Cooper and Christian, and the cherished little sister of Josiah and Journey. She brought hope, love, and joy to her family long before her arrival, and her memory will continue to live on through the love they hold for her every day.

Though her family did not get the time they dreamed of with her, Heavenly Dream’s life was meaningful and filled with love. She will always be remembered as a beautiful blessing, watched over with endless love and carried forever in the hearts of those who loved her most.

A visitation for Heavenly Dream will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115 followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM.

“Some people only dream of angels, we held one in our arms.”

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever Heavenly Dream.

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05/22/2026

Fr. Kenneth Jerome Jude De Groot O.Praem.

Fr. Kenneth Jerome Jude De Groot, O. Praem., 91, a priest of St. Norbert Abbey, has gone to his rest in the peace of Jesus Christ; he died peacefully on Thursday, May 21st - the eve of his birthday - at the abbey .

Fr. Ken was born on May 22, 1935, in Green Bay, WI to Raymond & Josephine (Beemster) De Groot, and baptized “Jerome Jude”. He was the oldest of seven boys. The family’s home parish is Holy Cross in Bay Settlement. He attended Annunciation Grade School, and Central Catholic High school, graduating in 1953 as salutatorian of the class.

Following high school, he entered St. Norbert Abbey on August 28, 1953. He was inspired by his father's aspirations, the example of his mother and of several religious aunts and uncles, and his Norbertine high school teachers. He professed Solemn Vows in 1958 and was ordained to the Priesthood 65 years ago, on May 23, 1961.

He was graduated as valedictorian of his class from St. Norbert College with a B.A. in Philosophy. He also received an M.S. degree in Mathematics Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and an M.S. degree in Religious Education from Fordham University in New York.

Fr. Ken's ministry began as a teacher at Abbot Pennings High School (1959-1978). Besides teaching math and religion, he also was very involved in the athletics program, serving on the state board for private high school athletics. He was also athletic director and coach for the freshman football and basketball teams.

In 1978 he was named pastor of St. Louis Parish in Dyckesville. In 1980 he became pastor of St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay, where he ministered to a diversity of people for the next 31 years. He developed many lay ministries and a diverse staff to serve the various needs of his parishioners.

In 1991 he began the first parish ministry for Spanish-speaking Catholics in the Green Bay Diocese. He worked closely with Fr. Harvey Toonen, O. Praem., the Diocese of Green Bay, and parishioners to welcome the then small community of Spanish-speaking Catholics to celebrate Mass weekly at St. Willebrord. Knowing that the only way to pastorally care for the new parishioners was by knowing their language and culture, Fr. Ken went to Mexico three times to be immersed in culture and language studies. The one weekend Mass soon evolved into four Spanish Masses every weekend.

After retiring in 2011, Fr. Ken co-founded Casa ALBA Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center of Green Bay, with Sister Melanie Maczka and several Latino leaders, to develop ways to meet the varied needs of the growing population, and to nurture the talents and contributions of Latinos in northeast Wisconsin. After ten years of working to establish the center, as well as encouraging the leadership of the staff, he retired from Casa Alba in 2022. He continued for several years to celebrate Masses in Spanish at St. Anne Parish in Coleman and SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Institute.

In 2024 Fr. Ken, along with Sr. Melanie, was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Norbert College for the many years of service and ministry among the Hispanic population in this area. Fr. Ken was very proud of this honor bestowed upon him by the college.

Fr. Ken is survived by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Tom (Eleanor), Bill (Trudy), Fred (Elaine), Mike (Judy) as well as sister-in-law, Della; many nieces and nephews; cousins; and his dear friend and co-worker in the vineyard, Sister Melanie Maczka, HMIED.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister-in-law, Dan (Darlene) and John.

The Reception of the Body and Visitation will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at St. Willebrord Church, 209 S. Adams Street, Green Bay. A Memorial Mass will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Fr. Andy Cribben, O. Praem. presiding and serving as homilist.

Reception of the Body and “Morning Prayer for Those Who have Died” will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29 at St. Norbert Abbey, with Visitation following in the Chapter Room until 10:15 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial, expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., presiding, and Deacon Luis Sanchez serving as homilist.

Burial will be in St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery following the Mass.

The Norbertine Community would like to thank the nurses at St. Norbert Abbey, the Staff of Unity Hospice, Sister Melanie and all those who cared for Fr. De Groot.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the Norbertine Community.

View Fr. Kenneth Jerome Jude De Groot O.Praem.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.