Dennis Robert Ryan, aged 68 of Monroe, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines. Details for a Celebration of Life will be announced shortly. Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The fifth child of Leonard and DeEtt (Fallenstein) Ryan, Dennis was born on October 14, 1956, in Mankato, Minnesota. He attended high school at St Edmund’s in Ft Dodge. He volunteered his service to the United States Army on May 30, 1975, and was honorably discharged on December 19, 1980. On December 28, 1991, He was united in marriage to Marianne Roxanne Costa in Chicago, Illinois. The family moved to Monroe in 1994.
Dennis was a self-taught photographer, working in advertising as well as running his own wedding photography business for over 40 years. After moving to Iowa, he worked for Rock Communications, later known as Mittera for 26 years before retiring in 2020. Inspired originally by Ansel Adams, he also produced innumerable works of art as part of his personal passion for photography. He loved camping, fishing, baseball, rock concerts, karaoke, playing the drums, costumery, parades, holidays, and amassing a plethora of treasured collectibles (anyone need a clock?). The greatest love of Dennis’ life was his family. He loved spending time and sharing stories with family, especially his grandchildren. He mentioned to anyone who would listen how lucky he was to get three new grand babies this year.
Those left to honor his memory include his children, Leonard (Alyssa) Ryan, Michelle (Joshua) Meyer, and Angela Ryan. His seven grandchildren are Liliana, Kingeri, Kairi, Harper, Salem, Sicili, and Theodore. Siblings Peggy (Tim) Parker, Patricia (Dennis) Marzilli, Michael (Jeanne) Ryan, Joan (Bob) Coady, Mary (Jim) Dircks, John (Teresa) Ryan and Tim (Jessica) Ryan will cherish his memory. Many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss him at the campfire. Preceding Dennis in death were wife Marianne, his son Michael Ryan, his parents, his brother Leonard John and his sister Susan Ann.
