Ryan, Alice C.

Alice C. Ryan, age 101 died peacefully Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home in Madison. She was born on December 30, 1923, in Stoughton, the daughter of Andrew and Ida (Dahlen) Fossen.

She was raised on the family farm during the Depression. After graduating from high school, Alice lived for a short time in Colorado. She returned to Wisconsin and in 1946 completed her nursing degree at Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing. Alice moved to Madison and worked at Madison General Hospital (now Meriter), retiring in 1986.  Alice married John L. Ryan in October 1951. They had six children. Alice was a strong supporter of establishing the nurses’ union. She worked the night shift at the hospital to provide for her children, be with them at dinner and to make sure they did their schoolwork in the evening.

Alice was a long-time member of St. James Catholic Church/Good Shepherd Parish in Madison. She enjoyed volunteering at church luncheons and rolling pfefferneuse each fall.  She volunteered for school hot lunches and chaperoned field trips when her children were students at St. James.

Alice enjoyed reading, walking, playing Euchre, Brewers baseball and Wisconsin basketball. She was strong, steadfast, humble, and caring. She was resilient before it became a thing.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ilene (Harry) Reese, Marjorie (Tony) Ring, Karen (Jim) Tracy, Violet (Russell) Anderson; her brothers, Irvin (Blanche) Fossen, Clayton (Jeannett) Fossen, Earl (Helen) Fossen; and her daughter-in-law Gayle.

Alice is survived by her children, Pat, Tom, Teresa (Joel), Kathy (Alexey), Jean (Bill) and Dan (Robin); grandchildren, Jenni, Jeff, Katrina, Ben, Nate, Haddie; great-grandchildren, Harmony, Alex and Bailey. 

Special thanks to caregivers, who provided a special quality of life for Alice in her final years.  

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home 

& Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000