Ryan Carl Samuel, age 31, passed away in DeForest, WI with family by his side, on February 21, 2026. He had fought a year long battle with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. He was born in Madison, WI on June 15, 1994, to parents, Scott and Rhonda.

Ryan attended grades K-12 in DeForest and was a 2012 graduate of DeForest High School. In 2014, he graduated from Western Technical College with a degree in Heavy Equipment and Diesel Mechanics. He took pride in his work and was employed at Peterbilt, Dedicated Fleet, and most recently at Trace Ambulance.

Ryan lived a full life in his 31 years. He loved fast cars, fishing, and golfing and he was a dedicated Wisconsin sports fan. He had an appreciation for traveling and he enjoyed good food and a good bourbon. He especially loved traveling to Rome, Italy and Costa Rica.

Ryan will be dearly missed by his family and friends and he will always be remembered for his quick wit and great sense of humor.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Rhonda (Perry) Lang and Scott (Kari) Samuel; brother, Kyle Samuel; stepbrother, Spencer Lang; stepsister, Kaitlyn (Joshua) Luther and their son, Corbin; grandparents, Elaine Giese, Richard (Carol) Samuel, and Gerald Lang; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Gerald Koffarnus, Warren Giese, Betsy Lang, and Doris Gassen; and aunt, Lisa Hohl.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kratz and nurse, Angie as well as to Heather with Agrace Hospice for the amazing care that they all provided.

A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd., DeForest, WI with a celebration of life to follow, from 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the Columbus Country Club, 301 Ingalsbe St., Columbus, WI. Please honor Ryan by wearing your favorite Packers, Brewers, or Badgers apparel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carbone Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792 https://www.uwhealth.org/philanthropy or Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711 https://www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today/ .

To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

Ryan Samuel

June 15, 1994 - February 21, 2026

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