Mae (Brouwer) Ryks

Mae (Brouwer) Ryks, 93, of Willmar, died Wednesday, October 15 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her funeral service will be 11:00 am, Monday, October 20 at Rock of Life CRC in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Bunde Christian Reformed Cemetery in Bunde. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Mae Ryks was born on May 9, 1932, to Arend and Minnie (Taatjes) Brouwer in Rheiderland Township. She was baptized at Bunde Christian Reformed Church and later professed her faith at the church as well. Mae attended country school at District 67 and graduated from Clara City High School in 1950. Following high school, she completed her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training at Rice Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing, where she began her long and dedicated career. Mae worked on the OB unit for 27 years at Rice Memorial Hospital where she was first to welcome many of her newborn grandchildren. She retired in 1994.

     On June 15, 1951, Mae was united in marriage to Gordon “Gordy” Ryks at Bunde Christian Reformed Church. Together they were blessed with seven children. Mae was a caretaker in every sense of the word—devoted to her family, her patients, and her faith. She and Gordy made their home in Willmar, where they remained lifelong residents.

     Mae was a faithful member of CRC Rock of Life and lived her faith daily. When she was unable to attend services in person, she faithfully watched church on TV. Mae cherished time with her family and especially enjoyed gatherings with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

     Mae is survived by her children: Diane (Cal) Miner of Willmar, Duane (Sandra) Ryks of Big Lake, AK, Debra Hustoft (Steve Lund) of Brooklyn Park, Dwight (Robin) Ryks of Kandiyohi, Dean (Kathy Hornick) Ryks of New London, and Daniel (Kathi) Ryks of St. Paul; daughter-in-law, Pauline Ryks of Willmar; 21 grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Lois Kleene and Stan (Harriet) Brouwer; in-laws, Judy (Merle) Kluver, LuAnn Ryks, Lorraine Ryks, and Joann Ryks; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon in 2017; son, Dale in 2024; grandchildren, Kyle, Hannah, and Shawn; great-granddaughter, Hope; her parents, Arend and Minnie; and siblings, Alvin Brouwer, Lester Brouwer, and Ruth Grussing.

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