Michael Rye
May 28, 2021
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Service Details
Michael Harold Rye was born on October 1, 1956 in Wausau, WI to Harold and Mary (Andrina) Rye. He died on May 28, 2021 at age 64 from cancer complications.
He enlisted in the U. S. Marines and began duty at Camp LeJeune, N.C. in July, 1975 and served four years. He later enlisted as a reservist in the Iowa Air National Guard, and retired as Chief Master Sergeant in December, 2011 after 28.5 years of military service.
After the Marine Corp., he attended U.W. Steven’s Point, and eventually graduated from Upper Iowa University with a B.S. in Public Administration.
He married Winnie Rye on Oct. 27, 1990. They have two daughters, Attalie and Shaeyla.
Mike retired from the US Postal Service on October 30, 2021 after 36 years as a letter carrier.
Mike was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He was a very involved member of Crossroads Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher for more than 20 years and also on the church council for just about the same amount of time. He was a mentor and friend to many.
Mike was a man of excellence. He was committed 100% to everything he did. He loved his family and friends. He was always the protector and a great provider. He rarely complained.
Mike is survived by his wife, Winnie; his daughters, Attalie and Shaeyla; his parents, Mary and Harold Rye; his siblings, Ken (Cheryl) Rye, Keith (Bernadette) Rye, Kevin Rye and Renee (Scott) Ristow; his grandchildren, Aria and Neveah White; his sister-in-law, Nancy Barwegen; and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Debra Thomas.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Mike at Crossroads Fellowship Church, 1200 60th St. in West Des Moines, IA on Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m. with visitation prior from 9 to 10:45 a.m. A lunch will follow. The service will also be livestreamed from the Crossroads Fellowship Facebook page at facebook.com/crossroadswdm
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Navigators [Brandon & Ashley Wilson-UCONN-23809163]. Checks may be mailed directly to Crossroads Fellowship Chr. Reformed Church, 1200 60th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266. Online giving can be made to https://www.navigators.org/staff/23809163/
Livestream Link for Michael Rye
Jeff VerSteegh
06/12/2021
I had the pleasure to work with Mike when I first joined the Post Office in 1994 and also with the Iowa Air National Guard. He was always a great person to talk to, with a positive outlook on everything. He will be missed.
Stacey Zedlitz
06/05/2021
I first met Michael was during the time I was a member of a security escort at the Des Moines Airport on the National Guard side for the 132nd Fighter Wing. This was a little over a moth later after the infamous attack and destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept 11th 2001.
Throughout the next four and a half months, Mike and I became good friends. Both of us were formal Marines who have served at different periods in time. Both of us shared similar political views and same faith in God. He later introduced me to his wife, Winnie and his two daughters Attalie and Shaeyla. He later invited to attend his church, Crossroads Fellowship Christian Reformed Church. This was a time where the church just recently moved from its previous location to its present location where the church currently stands.
For nearly twenty years since I met Mike and his family, he has become a dear friend, a mentor, and a role model for everyone who has known him. He is the best friend I have ever had. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to Winnie, Attalie, and Shaeyla. God bless him and all of you.
Thomas M. Szarkowitz
06/05/2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
We thank you, Michael Rye, for your selfless devoted service to our great Country as both a United States Marine and an Air National Guardsman.
Our deepest condolences,
⸺ The Thomas M. Szarkowitz Family
United States Navy (retired)
Mesa, AZ
James L Cox
06/03/2021
Mike and I shared a mutual background, having served with USMC and USPS. Mike was always pleasant and great to offer his time in assist our unit in any way possible. I have many fond memories of our friendship at the Iowa Air Guard. You are in my prayers.