Dale E. Ryks death, Beloved Native of Willmar, Minnesota, Passes Away at 68, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Kindness, Compassion, and Community Spirit.
Dale E. Ryks, a cherished resident of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away on the evening of Monday, August 5, at his residence. He was 68 years old. Known for his warm personality, dedication to his community, and unwavering kindness, Dale’s death is a profound loss to his family, friends, and the entire Willmar community.
Dale Eugene Ryks was born on July 12, 1956, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Gordon and Mae (Brouwer) Ryks. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1974. In 1977, Dale married 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 before joining Jennie-O Foods, where he served as a Shipping Supervisor for 34 years, retiring in June 2022.
On February 14, 2017, Dale was united in marriage to Pauline Hauschild, and they made their home near Willmar. Dale had a passion for fishing and 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 and enjoyed fishing with friends.
Dale and Pauline enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii and Florida, spending time at Sherwood Forest, and engaging with people wherever they went. He had a big heart and loved life to the fullest. He was strong and courageous, enjoying hunting and working with his hands around his yard, shop, and house.
On January 7, 2024, Dale was diagnosed with esophageal and liver cancer, which he fought courageously. Dale 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.
He is also survived by his mother, Mae Ryks of Willmar; six siblings, Duane (and Sandy) Ryks of Wasilla, AK, Diane (and Cal) Miner of Willmar, Debbie (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; and 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. Dale’s passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him. The Willmar community will forever remember him for his generosity, compassion, and the joy he brought into the lives of those around him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to inspire acts of kindness and community spirit. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at the Willmar Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow at Bunde Christian Reformed Cemetery.
Visitation will take place 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. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Little Crow Anglers or the Willmar Assembly of God Church.
