RYAN ERIK STREGE July 31, 1975 – June 29, 2013

Ryan Erik Strege 37, quietly passed away Saturday, June 29, 2013 at home in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his children after a short but brutal battle with cancer.

Ryan grew up in Breckenridge, MN where he graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1993. In High School he starred in basketball, baseball and football and maintained a 4.0 gpa. He then moved to Arizona and attended Central Arizona College where he received his certificate for heavy equipment operation. He became very proficient in the operation of multiple types of heavy earth moving equipment.

Following the work, he traveled to California where he met the love of his life and daughters to be. After a couple of years the work dried up and he and his new family traveled to Washington State where he trained and tested at the top of his class to become a Nuclear Chemical Operator on Hanford Reservation work. In the summer of 2012, funding for this work expired leaving Ryan and many others seeking work again. Ryan wisely chose to attend Northwest Linesman College in Idaho in hopes of establishing long term career employment. Naturally, Ryan immersed himself into learning and training to perfect the core values of this new trade. He not only learned the job and core values of his new found trade but graduated at the top of the class and earned the College's prestigious "Eagle" award. Ryan was soaring now as he accepted employment in Texas utilizing his new trade.

Ryan married Kimberly Renee Frisbee and adopted her three daughters Emily 15, Audrey 12 and Bailey 8 and stated "this is the happiest day of my life". He was a devoted father and loving husband as he watched over "My Girls". He loved to watch them barrel race and rodeo. The girls will continue to rodeo as Daddy watches over them as their "Guardian Angel". Ryan was also quick to help or lend a hand to anyone needing it, he knew no stranger. Unfortunately, happiness in this family diminished as Ryan returned home from his new career unable to perform his duties.

Ryan was diagnosed with Advanced Melanoma cancer that had quickly spread throughout his body. He was comforted and cared for the short time he had left by "My Girls" at home.

Ryan is survived by his wife Kimberly, daughters Emily, Audrey and Bailey Strege. Parents Clifford and Sharon Strege Brothers Kyle and Darrin Strege and families Aunts, Uncles and cousins Special friends Marvin Straub, Travis Matthews and Ken Holloway

Ryan's Girls want to extend their appreciation to all of his friends who have shown much love and caring to him through these past weeks. We love you all.

A Celebration of Ryan's Life will be held at 2:00PM, July 27th at Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ryan Strege Benefit Fund at HAPO Community Credit Union.