Arthur J. Ryall

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Farming wasn’t simply something he did—it was part of who he was.

Arthur J. “Bunny” Ryall, age 99, of Rice Lake, formerly of Bruce, Wisconsin, went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Art was given to us by God on January 15, 1927, to Edna (Iverson) and Isaac “Ike” Ryall. Born in Glen Flora and spent much of his life in Bruce and recent years in Rice Lake.

As a young man, he served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska. This was a source of many fond memories.

In his early years, he worked construction, including working on the Illinois Toll road and Milwaukee County Stadium. Art was a farmer at heart. Farming wasn’t simply something he did—it was part of who he was. His life was shaped by the values that came with it: hard work, perseverance, resourcefulness, and an appreciation for the land and the life it provided. Later, his agricultural roots carried into his career as a field representative for Mid-America Dairymen, a position he held for more than 20 years. He also served on the Dairy Board of Wisconsin. He believed in being part of his community and giving back to it. He was an active member of the Bruce Kiwanis and American Legion and a lifelong member of Bruce Federated Church.

Art’s first marriage blessed him with his oldest two children. A son, Jim, who tragically passed at the age of 18. He is survived by his eldest daughter, Jeri Lou (Ryall) Engebretson and her husband, Ken, and their family, including daughters Jennifer “JJ” (Christian) Toombs and their three children and Jamie Engebretson (Jamie Mackay).

On June 11, 1960, he married Patricia “Patti” (Gaartz) Ryall. Together, they built a life and family that would grow to include children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Patti; daughter Dee (Scott) Peterson and their family, including sons Jace (Amanda) Peterson and a child on the way and Ross (Erin Molstad) Peterson; son Lary and his daughters Jessica (Trey) Pingel and Christa (Kurt) Kananen, and their two children and Talia (Matt), Strathman and their two children; a daughter Joelle Schultz and her children Whitney Schultz and her three children, Cory (Megan Katcher) Schultz, and Ryley Schultz; and daughter Sharyn (Scott) Rohde and their children Amber O’Connell and her son, Allie (Luke) Anderson and their son, and Isaac Rohde.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Ike Ryall; his sisters, Ruth Johnson and Evelyn Kulibert; and his oldest son, Jim Ryall and many friends, neighbors and family members.

His life and legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Bruce Federated Church. Friends can visit at the church, before the service beginning at 12:00 noon on Thursday. Immediately following the visitation, there will be a celebration of life service at 1:00 pm with Rev. Mark A. Bartlett officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Bruce American Legion. A light lunch will follow in the fellowship hall at the church.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.