Joan R. Ryan

Patrick, Joan’s youngest son, said it best, “She has cooked her last meal, and her grandkids are out of $20.” Joan’s greatest passions in life were food and family — whether by blood or by choice. She was quick with a meal, a prayer, and honest advice.

Joan Ruth (Pfalzgraf) Ryan, 86, of Oakfield, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026 at St. Agnes Hospital. She was born on June 13, 1939, in rural Brownsville, Wisconsin, to Eldor and Dorthy (Attenberger) Pfalzgraf. At the age of 15, her family moved to a small farm outside Oakfield. She graduated from Oakfield High School and, following graduation, worked as a switchboard operator.

During this time, she met Dwayne “Duffy” Ryan. They were married on September 27, 1958, and over the next ten years welcomed six children. Joan and Duffy spent the rest of their lives in the Oakfield area, building a home centered on faith, family, and community.

In the mid-1970s, Joan returned to school at the encouragement of her lifelong friend, Elaine Waltz. She earned her degree as an LPN and began a nursing career that took her from Waupun Memorial Hospital to the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, and eventually to the Fond du Lac County Mental Health Center. During these years, Joan also volunteered for more than 30 years as a court-appointed guardian for a community member in need.

Joan devoted countless hours to her church, community organizations, and nonprofit causes. In her early years, she taught catechism at St. James Catholic Church. She was a longtime member of the church Altar Society and the MACCW, and for many years lovingly laundered and ironed the Eucharistic linens.

She was also active in the Marquis Drum & Bugle Corps’ Cook & Bottle Club and was an enthusiastic supporter of Oakfield school and recreation sports programs. Joan was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary VFW Post 8025 and served two terms as president of the Oakfield Lions Club, continuing to support the organization until the very end of her life.

One cause especially close to Joan’s heart was New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Center. As a board member and residence assistant, she profoundly impacted many young mothers by preparing meals, spending nights at the home, and offering encouragement, compassion, and support.

The woman who served so many in so many ways is survived by her children and their spouses, Brenda (David) Wilcox, Beth (Robert) Roloff, Timothy (Stacey) Ryan, Patrick (Tracy) Ryan, and Mary (James) Torzala. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Caroline Roloff, Kaitlyn (Andrew) Miech, McKenna (Bryce) Vogt, Dean (Kaitlyn) Ryan, Taylor Ryan, Ashley Torzala, Madelyn (Holden) Serwe, Matthew Ryan, Colleen Torzala, Megan Ryan, and Sydney Ryan; her great-grandchildren, Ryan Torzala, Mia Egge Torzala, Willow and Rowan Miech, Shawn Ryan, River and Sunny Vogt, and Halston and Mathias Serwe. Joan is also survived by her siblings, Eugene Pfalzgraf and Linda Holzmann; sisters-in-law, Judy Pfalzgraf and Margaret Ryan.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dwayne “Duffy” Ryan; her son, Shawn David Ryan; her grandson, Shane Patrick Ryan; her brother, Gerald Pfalzgraf; and numerous family members from the large & loving Ryan family.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Sons of Zebedee, St. James Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday at church. Burial will be in Avoca Cemetery.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Adelaide Place, where Joan resided during the past year, and to the healthcare professionals on the 5th floor and ICU at St. Agnes Hospital for their compassionate care during the final days of her well-lived life.

Memorials may be directed to New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Center or a charity of your choice. Checks may be made payable to New Beginnings or via their website: https://newbeginningspregcare.org.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com