JOHN RYBA JR.

John Ryba Jr., 90, of Cass City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 in Fisher Senior Care, Mayville. He was born December 23, 1935 in Detroit to John and Janina (Prusak) Ryba. He married Jane Stempel on October 18, 1963 in Dearborn. She died August 24, 2016.

John was a man who built his life from the ground up, behind a difficult childhood marked by hardship and moving forward with determination that would define every decade that followed. As a young man, John found refuge with his sister Delores, and it was in Detroit that his life truly began to take shape. While working at Formax, he met the woman who would become the love of his life, a remarkable single mother of three. He asked her to marry him three times before she said yes. That persistence said everything about who John was.

John built a career as a skilled tool and die maker in the Detroit area before joining Walbro Corporation in Cass City, where the family relocated in 1973, and where he worked until he retired. He was a man of deep discipline and strength, running seven miles three days a week, well into his later years until a fall in 2020 slowed his stride but never his spirit. He adapted, turning to the gym and home exercise to stay strong and active. One of John’s proudest achievements was his sobriety. He celebrated fifty-seven years sober on March 15, 2026, a testament to his courage, his commitment, and his character. John was a member of Cass City Missionary Church. He loved fishing, hunting, and woodworking.

When additional care became necessary, his devoted caregiver Tracy became part of his life in the truest sense, far more than an employee. Though transitioning to a care facility was a significant change for a man who cherished his home, John began to thrive again, coaxed to participate but once he started, he embraced it fully. John engaged with fellow residents, participated in activities, and won at bingo more than a few times. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by the legacy of a life lived with resilience, love, and grace. John will be membered as being quite the character.

John is survived by his beloved children: daughter, Karen (Michael Hadley) Spring; beloved stepson, Richard (Karen) Spring; sister, Angelina Ryba; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; an extended family of two bonus grandkids, three bonus great grandkids, six bonus grands abroad. He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Mary Jane; brothers: Francis and Edward; sisters: Delores and Rosalie; son, Edward F. Spring, Jr.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 in Cass City Missionary Church with Pastor Jeremy Woodall officiating. Military honors conducted by Cass City V.F.W. Post #3644. Interment in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cakima Serenity Home, 3800 Lee Hill Rd., Mayville, MI 48744.

Visitation: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

                10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 in Cass City Missionary Church

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City