Ryan Patrick Mcgillen

Ryan Patrick McGillen, 38, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, on December 26, 2020, due to a coronary artery rupture.

Ryan is survived by his wife Jenny, children Brooklyn and Patrick, parents Peter and Gail (Low) McGillen, brother AJ McGillen, in-laws Mike, Michele and Emily Haedrich, and his aunts, uncle, cousins, nephews and niece. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Mary Alice McGillen and Clarence and Olive Low.

Ryan was born on October 8th, 1982, to Pete and Gail McGillen. He was raised on a family farm near Kilkenny, MN. Ryan graduated from Montgomery-Lonsdale High School, and from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Construction Management. His love of farming and natural talent in construction led him to have careers in both construction management and sales at Kibble Equipment. On January 3, 2015, Ryan married the love of his life, Jenny Headrich. Together they had two children, Brooklyn and Patrick. Ryan was an amazing husband and father; he was truly remarkable.

Ryan was born with a passion for farming. He loved spending time on his grandparents farms as a child, and grew up to be a “real farmer” with his Dad. He learned early that a good portion of farming is breaking stuff, and then fixing it. Luckily, Ryan was creative and handy, and the farm gave him lots of opportunities to fine tune his craft. He was always there for friends and family to take on the next construction project or fix any problem they were facing. No matter the challenge, Ryan always said “Itll be fine.”

From a young age, Ryan was a collector of all things, but especially memories. His steel trap of a mind always made for a good conversation, lots of laughs and big smiles. He loved spending time with his friends and family, ice fishing, hunting, attending sporting events, watching (and quoting) comedies, and celebrating his Irish Heritage.

When Ryan assumed the role of Worlds Greatest Husband and Dad, he made the best and most important memories that built a solid foundation in his children. From the big memories in family vacations, to the small memories in everyday life, Brooklyn and Patrick will know that their Daddy was there for them, making each moment count.

Ryan had incredible balance in life. When it was time to work, he worked hard. When it was time to have fun, he made sure everyone felt included and kept the room smiling. When it was time take care of his family, that was his top priority. And when you needed help, Ryan always showed up. You could count on Ryan, which made him an extraordinary son, brother, husband, father, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend.

While well forever miss Ryans laugh, smile, stories, we are blessed that his children have the same twinkle in their eyes. Your memories of Ryan, were Ryans memories too. Please, share a memory or two with Kelly Nelson or Kate McGillen via any form of communication. Letter, email, text, Facebook, phone call or skywriting, well take them all. His memories will be compiled into a book for his children, so they understand the impact their Daddy had on this world, and can share the memories he collected. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal”

Due to the current restrictions, a private family Memorial service will be held on January 1st, 2020, with a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements will be handled by Schoenbauer Funeral Home, Montgomery, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to support Jenny, Brooklyn and Patrick with future financial obligations.