Blanche (Bing) A. Van Ryen, age 81, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Blanche was born March 5, 1943, in the town of Cassian, at home, on a very cold day to Lawrence and Emma (Salewske) Roberts. She was married to Cornelius Pete Van Ryen in 1961.
Blessed by God, Blanche was able to do many different things throughout her life. She worked various jobs at Hazelhurst Electric, Knapinski’s Resort, Mary’s Diner, and Red Arrow Lodge. Together with her husband Pete, they owned and operated The Avenue Bar, Total Auction Sales and Pete’s Pump, all while raising kids and managing a household. She was a wonderful cook and baker, making so many delicious things. Her green thumb was legendary, growing countless house plants, vegetables and flowers. Blanche enjoyed playing pool, golf, and traveling. She took many bus trips with friends to Branson and Nashville and traveled many places with family. Joining her husband on hunting trips to Idaho was one of her favorites. Blanche was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church enjoying time spent with her sisters in Christ participating in the Altar Guild, Ladie’s Aid, LWML and the Funeral Lunch Committee. She attended many district and local conventions. Blanche also volunteered at the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop where she touched lives and made many friends. Of all the wonderful things, Blanche especially treasured time with her family.
Blanche is survived by daughters – Debby (Jeff) Ingman, Rebecca (Chester) Jaecks, and son – Casey (Kayla) Van Ryen; grandchildren – Tracy Kiefer (raised as a daughter), Dan (Rebecca) Paulson, Amanda Sue Jaecks, Katy (Garrett) Van Gorden, Amanda Van Ryen, Melinda (Nick) Vassar, Holly (Dustyn) DuPlayee, Susie (Ron) Lundt, Erin Jaecks, Elena Van Ryen, Harper Van Ryen and Jemma Van Ryen; great-grandchildren – Ian, Gauge, AnnMarie, Emmy, Dallas, Kaylie, Colton, Ava, Leigha, Ashtyn, Emma, Lawren, Addie, baby boy DuPlayee on the way, Matilda and Veronica. She is further survived by sister in law – Alice Meisenheimer and brother in law – Richard Stromberg and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son – Larry, sisters – Carol Stromberg and Jeanne Peters, and brother in law – Richard Peters.
Funeral Services for Blanche were held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11 a.m., at St Paul’s Lutheran Church. Reverend Stephen Gillet officiated. The family received friends for visitation on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until the time of service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
