John H. Ryf, age 85, of Winneconne, died Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at Park View Health Center in Oshkosh. He was born August 16, 1927, to the late Hugo and Dora (Kolb) Ryf. John was a graduate of Winneconne High School, where he was the salutatorian of his class, and he attended Lawrence University and Macalester College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On August 13, 1948, John married Mabel Christianson at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Winneconne. Along with his brother Bob, John owned and operated Ryf Oil Company in Winneconne, also owning Ryf Bus Co. He loved the children and drove school bus for over 50 years in the Winneconne School district. John was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, Winneconne, and was also a member of the Giles-Luce American Legion Post 364, Winneconne. He was an avid outdoorsman taking advantage of any opportunity for hunting or fishing either on the Wolf River or in the north woods. John enjoyed entertaining his family with his special fish frys as much as he enjoyed fishing. As a true Wisconsinite he enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, and Marquette. John especially cherished spending time with family and friends at the cabin known as Little Willow Lodge in northern Wisconsin.
John's true love was his family and they include his four children, Patti Yehle, John (Maggie) Ryf, Jim (Debbie) Ryf, and Jeff (Cheryl) Ryf; grandchildren, Kira (Ryan) Heise, Jason Ryf (special friend, Charity Brand), Joshua Ryf (special friend, Nicole Sidoff), Jacob (Liana) Ryf, Jennifer (Rod) Busching, Jeremiah (Rachael) Ryf, Nathan Ryf (special friend, Alexandra Kellogg), Kayla Ryf, and Austin Ryf; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Wyatt, Hayley, Connor, Collin, Brody, Cash, Gabriel, and Sebastian; one brother, Bob (Rosemary) Ryf; sisters-in-law, Verla Plummer and Pat Christianson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Along with his parents, John was also preceded in death by his loving wife Mabel; and two sisters, Helen Hewitt and Bernie Wesner.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 8 S. Fourth St. Winneconne, with Pastor John Covach and Pastor Mark Albrecht officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be in the Winneconne Cemetery at a later date. A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
John's family wishes to extend special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Park View Health Center for the truly professional and loving care given to him during his years there.
Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.

Mueller Funeral Home
Winneconne
(920) 582-4242