Caryl Ann (Peterson) Ryan of Savage, MN, was born May 27, 1938, and went into the arms of Jesus on April 25, 2026. Her parents were Einer and Crystal (Forsberg) Peterson. Born and raised in Ogden, IA, to godly parents who raised her and her beloved twin brother, Daryl. The Peterson family loved and honored the Lord above all.

After graduating from Ogden High School in 1957, Caryl attended one year of Junior College before moving to Des Moines to work a few years. With her great sense of adventure, she moved to St. Paul to work. She met her husband of almost 60 years - David James Ryan - while they were both working at American Hoist in St. Paul. They married in 1966. They had their first child - David Michael - in May 1967. Then their daughter - Michelle Marie - was born in October 1970.

Caryl and Dave raised their family in Eagan in a vibrant neighborhood, full of young families. Lifelong bonds were formed: families helping each other raise their kids with godly values and attending church together. Of course, as a parent of young kids, Caryl spent many days/evenings quietly cheering on her kids in outdoor sports like softball, baseball, and football.

Caryl worked as a Word Processor through many mergers and acquisitions, starting with Engelhart Accounting in the mid 1970’s eventually to Deloitte & Touche. She retired in 2003 with 26 years of service. She was highly respected by her coworkers.

When David and Michelle got married, their spouses were immediately loved and welcomed. Soon, there were grandkids, and these were truly God’s gift of great joy in Caryl’s life. She attended as many activities, sporting events, concerts, etc. that she possibly could. She was proud of her grandkids, recognizing that each of them was unique in personality, gifts, and talents, and she loved it all!

Caryl and Dave spent their winters in Apache Junction, AZ, from the time Caryl retired. She loved everything about their time in AZ! She was part of the cooking club at Rock Shadows RV Park. Also, since they were already out west, Caryl and Dave took lots of adventures through the western U.S., especially exploring National Parks.

Some of Caryl’s other “favorites” were tending to her garden at her house in Eagan, long walks/hikes, watching her MN Twins, visits back to Ogden, time in northern MN, and traveling with her family (Europe, Caribbean).

Caryl was often verbally quiet in her faith/trust in our Lord, but her character revealed the fruit of the Spirit. The best words to describe Caryl that have come repeatedly from anyone who met or knew her: strong, gentle, humble, sweet, and kind. See Proverbs 31: 10-31 and Galatians 5:22-23.

Caryl is preceded in death by parents, Einer and Crystal Peterson of Ogden, IA; and siblings (died at birth), Ronald and Donald. She is survived by husband, David Ryan; children, David (Tracy) Ryan and Michelle (Randy) Busch; grandchildren, Molly, Benjamin, Noah, and Caroline; and sibling, Daryl Peterson.

The visitation and memorial service will be held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN, on June 2, 2026. The visitation will start at 10 am and the memorial service at 11 am. Interment will be scheduled for later at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Grace Church Missions or to the Animal Humane Society.