Sara J. Ryan age 73 of Prairie du Chien passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Bethany Riverside Care Center in LaCrosse, WI after a brief illness.  She was born January 2, 1943 in LaCrosse, WI the daughter of Stanley and Mary Jane (Norton) Chambers. She was a graduate of St. Gabriels Catholic School and later St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien.  She attended St. Theresa’s College in Winona, MN and later graduated from St. Louis University.  She married John Ryan on June 20, 1970 at St. Gabriel’s Church in Prairie du Chien.  She worked in human services for Marathon County Wisconsin and later for Crawford County Wisconsin for 39 years, retiring as the Director of Human Services. She was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.  She was a staunch supporter of local, state and federal politics. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, John of Prairie du Chien, her son David (Chris) Ryan of Wilson, WI, her stepmother Fern Chambers of Prairie du Chien, stepbrother Joe (Karen) Chabela of Pewaukee, WI, stepsister Sandy Colern of Pewaukee, sisters in law, Peg Ryan of Lancaster, WI and Mary Ryan-Roper of San Francisco, CA, her nephews and nieces Sean and Brian Chambers and Anne Busaca-Ryan.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Jim.  She will be missed by all of those whose life she touched.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Rev. James Weighner officiating, with burial in the Calvary Cemetery both in Prairie du Chien.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 8:30 AM until the time of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Prairie Catholic Schools, the Prairie du Chien Public Library or the Ft. Crawford Medical Museum.  The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.  

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