Michael Delaney Ryan

Michael Ryan was born on August 8, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, and passed away at home on March 11, 2026, at the age of 92. Shortly before his death, he reflected that he had enjoyed a wonderful life and family.

Mike was married to his wife, Angela “Angie,” for 64 years. They met while attending Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and together built a close and loving family filled with shared adventures.

He spent 36 years as a social worker, devoting his career to helping families stay together and supporting children so they could avoid institutional care. In 1974, he founded Families Incorporated in Iowa, an effort that later earned him recognition as the state’s Social Worker of the Year. The letters he received from families whose lives had improved meant a great deal to him. In the later part of his career, he served as Director of Social Services for the City of Alexandria until his retirement.

Beyond his professional life, Mike loved art and sculpture and was active for many years with the Alexandria Art League, where he created beautiful silver necklaces carved with silhouettes. He enjoyed biking, traveling, learning languages, feeding the birds, and playing Rummikub with family and friends. His travels took him to France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, China, Panama, and Mexico.

Family was at the center of his world. He adored Angie—they were truly two peas in a pod—and cherished every moment with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He and Angie raised three daughters: Susan Rosenberg (Stuart), Jeanne Angelini (Rick), and Patty Tashiro (John). He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Megan Angelini, Jake Rosenberg (wife Kathryn), Erin Wyda (husband Clay), Claire Rosenberg, and Kayla Tashiro, and he was looking forward to welcoming his first great-grandchild, due April 16 to Jake and Kathryn Rosenberg.

Mike also treasured time with his brothers and sister and their spouses, especially during games of euchre or shared meals, and he held a special affection for his nieces and nephews. He was known in the family as the one who always wanted to hold the babies and play with the children. Throughout his life, he maintained many close friendships and deeply valued the sense of community around him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Food for Others.