Ryan C FitzSimmons

North Mankato Mortuary - Northview
388-2288

Ryan Christopher FitzSimmons, age 23, of Good Thunder, died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2011 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato with Rev. Steve Kidder officiating. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m., Sunday at North Mankato Mortuary " Northview. Burial will be Barnard's Valley View Cemetery, Good Thunder at a later date. Memorials will be used to establish the Ryan FitzSimmons Scholarship Fund for Maple River High School Band Students.

Ryan was born April 8, 1987 in Litchfield, MN. He was raised by his parents, Dan and Mary (Meichsner) FitzSimmons in Mankato and Good Thunder. He graduated from Maple River High School in 2005, where he was an honor student and from Minnesota State University-Mankato with an AA Degree in 2010. He was employed by Equity Supply, Sears, and Target. In high school he was active in track, cross country, band, and pep band while at MSU. Ryan was a voracious reader, enjoyed bowling, watching spectator sports " the Twins, Vikings, and Wild. He enjoyed being on the farm and helping with livestock and crops. Ryan was one of the nicest young men you'll ever meet " he was bright, funny, kind, and giving. His loving ways to others came easily.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Dan and Mary FitzSimmons of Good Thunder; sister, Rachel (Kyle) Jemtrud of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; niece and nephew, Taylor and Ethan; two aunts, Fran (Terry) Carlson of Coon Rapids, Mary (Doug) Hoag of Simi Valley, CA; two uncles, David (Lorraine) Meichsner of Stuart, FL and Paul (Sandra) Meichsner of Redlands, CA; the family dog, Bill; and many cousins and friends.

Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Earl and Lucille FitzSimmons; maternal grandparents, H.E. "Mike" and Esther Meichsner.