Norman “Ike” Ryan, a beloved husband of 67 years, father of four, and grandfather of nine, was known for his love of family, friends, sports, and adventures. Ike was born in Springfield, Illinois, on February 4, 1935, to Eva and Norman Ryan. He died on September 25, 2026, at the age of 91.
A gifted athlete, Ike was an ace starting pitcher for Springfield High School. He helped lead his 1952 American Legion team, a Springfield Sports Hall of Fame member, to the Illinois state championship and pitched in the American Baseball Congress minor league championship in 1952. He went on to letter in baseball at Quincy College and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ike was a public accountant and spent 35 years with the Illinois Department of Public Aid, retiring in 1998 as the agency’s Deputy Director and General Services Administrator, positions he held for many years under several administrations.
More than his accomplishments, Ike will be remembered for the joy he brought to the people around him. With his good-natured whistling, quick wit, and ready sense of humor, Ike could bring life to any room. Simply put, Ike was fun.
He was a crafty tennis player and an avid gardener and outdoorsman. His tomatoes were legendary. He fished in biblical fashion and loved the dogs he kept accumulating despite his wife’s pronouncements, with each dog, that there would be no more. Ike especially enjoyed organizing upland game hunts for his sons and friends.
Above all, Ike loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ryan; daughter, Peggy Ryan (Joel Benoit); three sons, Patrick (Angie), Martin (Kelly Brillhart), and Terry Ryan (Emi); nine grandchildren; sister, Margie Greco; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation & Mass of Christian Burial: The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704, with Fr. Friedel, officiating.
Please visit www.butlerfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.
