Robert "Rob" A. Ryder

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 25^th, 2023, in his home in Bridgeport, at the age of 60. Rob was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on February 10^th, 1963, to the late Welton & Madalynne (Stolte) Ryder, and was a 1981 graduate of Bridgeport High School. He worked as a truck driver for Webster & Garner Oil & Propane. In 2018 he married Kathleen Ellison, who survives him. In his free time, Rob loved any occasion where he could spend time with and provide for his family, spending his time grilling, smoking meat, and cooking for them. He enjoyed camping and gardening, loved attending NASCAR races earlier in life, and always enjoyed cake and ice cream with his loved ones. It was said he could fix anything. He had a knack for working on cars and was deeply proud of the work he put into remodeling his childhood home. Rob is remembered as being a smart and hardworking, if stubborn man who was wild, fun, and full of humor. He made friends with everyone and knew people wherever he went.

Rob is survived by his wife Kathy Ryder; children Katie (Tyler) Beckrow & Kylee Ryder; step-children Austin (Kailen) Ball & Arica Ball; grandchildren Emery Beckrow, River Ball, & Mila Ball; siblings Janet Goodeman, Beverly (Joe) Jesselaitis, Lynne Bensch, Diana (Richard) Schultz, & Wendy Casavan; sister-in-law Bernadine Ryder; and brothers-in-law Ken (Sandra) Ellison, Dennis (Tammi) Ellison, Tim (Lorri) Ellison, Tom (Bonnie) Ellison, Jerry (Sue) Ellison, and Gene (Susan) Ellison; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other family members, and the many friends he’s had since high school.

Rob was preceded in death by brother Welton Joe Ryder and brother-in-law Rodney Bensch.

Funeral services for Rob will take place at 11:00am on Friday, March 3^rd, 2023, at Bridgeport Community Church, 3821 State St, Bridgeport, with Rev. Kyle Hug presiding. Visitation will take place from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, March 2^nd, at W.L. Case & Company, 5700 Dixie Highway, Bridgeport, and from 10:00am until the time of service at the church. Those wanting to make a show of their sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Bridgeport Community Church. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.