Todd Van Ryn

Todd William Van Ryn of Wausau, WI, joined our Savior in Heaven unexpectedly, yet spiritually prepared on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 63. Todd was born on July 18, 1960, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to William and Fayette Van Ryn. He graduated in 1978 from Jupiter High School in Jupiter, FL. After high school he went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and later earned his Master's Degree from Concordia University (WI).

 On May 15, 1982, he married the love of his life, Sherry Knautz. God stretched and grew their faith as they served the Lord together and raised their 5 children in many locations throughout the US and Puerto Rico.  Todd always desired to live his life in a way that pointed others to Christ and made it a point to teach his children by example, what it meant to trust the Lord and follow His leading. 

 Todd spent the first half of his working career at Bestfoods for 17 years, holding various management positions at plants around the country.  In March of 2000, he and Sherry opened the first of several 5 Loaves & 2 Fish Christian Bookstores in Wausau, WI.  He involved his children in this ministry over a period of 17 years, adopting a family motto of being “addicted to the service of the saints.”  Through the bookstore ministry, Todd sought to equip people with resources and tools that would draw them into a deeper and more authentic relationship with Jesus.

 Later in his life, Todd was used by God as a pastor, teacher, mentor, and chaplain in the Central Wisconsin area, most recently at Goodrich Community Church.  His passion for reading and studying his Bible shone through as he sought to rightly teach God’s Word and live out biblical truths in his daily life.  He loved teaching and preaching as he thoroughly enjoyed putting together messages that he felt God divinely gave him each week to share with those he shepherded.  It gave him great joy to share testimonies each week of how God was living and active in his life.  Most recently, he was an integral part of the ministry at Bridge Street Mission, working with others to restore hearts and transform lives for Christ.

 Todd enjoyed spending time with his family, helping others, singing, traveling, and a number of unique hobbies. What he enjoyed most however, was serving his Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, Todd was involved with Christian ministries such as the Winter Youth Retreat, Young Life, Good Tidings Publishers, Districts, and others, while also directing Bible camps, attending conferences, and leading missions trips.   He especially loved speaking the Spanish language and worked closely with a number of Spanish ministries and pastored several Spanish-speaking churches.

 We are confident he is now in the glory of God, not because of a life well lived (though it was) but because he put his faith in the Son of God who took away his sins.

 Todd is preceded in death by his mother, Fayette Van Ryn. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sherry; children, Brittany (Dylan) Lauber, Cody (Rachel) Van Ryn, Dilan (Laura) Van Ryn, Austin (Rebecca) Van Ryn, Carley Van Ryn; grandchildren Jack, Reese, August, Brenna, Henry, Olivia, Ian, Snow, Frederick; siblings David Van Ryn, Nathan (Susan) Van Ryn, and Luke Van Ryn; father William Van Ryn.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

 A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27^th at Bible Truth Chapel (1600 N 1st Ave in Wausau) from 9am to 11am.  A memorial service will follow at 11AM and there will be an opportunity afterwards for friends and family to share memories.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Todd’s name may be made to Riverside Bible Camp in Amherst, WI (https://www.riversidebiblecamp.org/donate).