Dodge City – Michael F. Ryba, 86, died February 24, 2022 at SunPorch of Dodge City. He was born on March 3, 1935 in Columbus, Nebraska the son of Michael F. Ryba Sr. and Victoria (Schostak) Ryba.
Mike grew up in Staplehurst, Nebraska, graduating from Staplehurst High School in 1953. After high school, Mike joined the United States Navy, serving from 1954 to 1958. After his time with the Navy, Mike moved to Dodge City where he met Karen Gimbel. The two were married at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dodge City on September 2, 1962. They then moved to York, Nebraska followed by Great Bend. Mike then went to work for the National Weather Service and the couple moved to Point Barrel, Alaska followed by Bismarck, North Dakota before settling in Dodge City in 1973.
Mike loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed handyman jobs such as painting houses.
He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Dodge City. Mike was also a member of the V.F.W Auxiliary as well as the Lions Club where he served as the Pancake Feed Chairman for many years.
Mike is survived by three children, Nancy Snyder and husband Stephen of Dodge City, Bruce Ryba and wife Jenn of Wall, New Jersey, and Wayne Ryba and wife Crissy of Mankato; nine grandchildren, Hillary Snyder, Ariel Snyder and fiancé Kyle Stropes, Eric Snyder and wife Jordan, Michael Ryba and wife Niki, Trevor Ryba, Addie Ryba, Beka Rijfkogel and husband Luke, Tarra Ryba, and Sydny Ryba; one great granddaughter, Rowan Snyder; and one soon to be great grandson; sister, Betty Stiles King; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Rose Meyer, Barbara Zimmer, and Leona Ryba.
Funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dodge City on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Randall Jahnke presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www. swaimfuneralhome.com.
