David Michael Ryerse

David Michael “Dave” Ryerse passed away peacefully, on Saturday, June 4, 2022.  He was born March 15, 1961, in Saint Ignace, Michigan, a son of Paul Ryerse and Bonita Joy Ryerse.  Dave was a 1979 graduate of Everette High School, in Lansing, MI. 

He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a Sergeant from September 1985 to October 1989.  During his service he played softball for “The Medics”, a base softball team at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. During his service at Wright Patt, David became dear friends with Todd Davies.  Dave was certain Todd was the best softball player in the entire Air Force.  Todd later baptized Dave in the Belmont Church of Christ, in Dayton, OH, in 1988. 

Dave worked at Wright Patt AFB as a biomedical technician.  He tested medical equipment to ensure it was safe to fly on the various types of aircraft he was assigned.  He would always let his grandson know the aircraft to which he was assigned, and often purchased a model of it from the Wright Patt gift store so he knew which one Papa was working on.

Dave had a tremendous respect for our veterans.  Regardless of age or rank, even after being discharged from the service, he continued to address senior officers by their official military title.  He served as 2nd Vice at the American Legion Post 49. 

Anyone who knew Dave, knew he was a staunch supporter of the Michigan Wolverines.  He especially loved their basketball and football programs.  But he loved all sports.  One of the things he enjoyed most in his life was coaching basketball and baseball.  It meant everything to him that he made a positive impact on the lives of young men.  Over the years, Dave would receive multiple invitations to the weddings of young men he coached when they became adults. He tried to stay in touch with as many of them as he could. 

Dave is preceded in death by his mother, Bonita Joy; maternal grandparents, Blair and Rita Pemble; and his paternal grandparents, Mary Jane Ryerse and Jack Ryerse.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Christine “Tina” Ryerse; daughters, Chelsea (Andrew Brewer) Ryerse, Taylor (Cameron) Villarreal, and Alyssa Ryerse; stepson, Derek (Hunter) Bates; grandchildren, Roman Joseph Brewer and Malina Danielle Brewer; his father, Paul Darwin Ryerse; brothers, Barry Ryerse, Jon Ryerse, and Tim Ryerse; and sisters, Lindsey (Chad) Fender and Ashley Ryerse. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Joe (Tabitha) Gall and Douglas (Emma) Gall, along with nieces and nephews.  Dave is also survived by too many friends to count, including many childhood friends with which he remained in close contact until the end.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio, followed by a service at 3:00 PM.  After the service, there will be a social hour held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wilmington to celebrate Dave’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post 49, c/o Charlie Shoemaker, 140 E. Locust St., Wilmington, OH 45177.

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