Ryan Joseph Socha, 20, De Pere, WI, a perfect son, brother, future husband, extra (littles and rottweiler) uncle, cousin, and best friend was taken tragically too soon. Early Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Ryan was welcomed home by his Grandpas Joe and Russ.

Ryan was born late in the evening Monday, January 7th, 2002 at 8:14 p.m. He is the youngest of two children, and the absolute center of their world.

Ryan graduated in the spring of 2020 from De Pere High School, while simultaneously completing a carpentry program through NWTC. Ryan's future was bright and full of big, big plans. Ryan follows closely in his father's footsteps, having recently been sworn into the Operators Union, Local 139, as well as beginning his career at Northeast Asphalt as an Operating Engineer Apprentice, where he was referred to as "Lil' Socha".

Few things brought Ryan as much joy as the comments made referencing just how much he reminds everyone of his father. Ryan's dreams to be just like his dad did not end with his career, as he proudly purchased his first Chevy truck last year, and Harley this year, just in time to participate in the annual Local 139 Poker Run, benefitting Hogs for Heroes. From the day Ryan was born, he was the absolute light of their lives, his momma's baby, his dad's mini, and his big sister's best friend. Ryan could fix anything that was broken, from hearts to trucks, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was nothing short of perfect in all of his roles. Family came first for Ryan, and that is evident in the hearts he's left behind. In Ryan's free time he enjoyed Friday morning basketball with the guys (more like brothers), poker nights…with the guys, Bucks and Packers games, Cubs games (saved for his sister), and planning project after project.

There was absolutely nothing that Ryan wasn't capable of accomplishing. If he (and the guys) set their minds to a new project, you could count on them getting it done. Some of his proudest work included fixing up his Papa's go-kart and boat. In addition to their projects, Ryan was looking forward to getting their new snowmobiles ready, and planning a guys' hunting trip to Montana this winter.

Some of Ryan's proudest plans included the bright future he'd already started building for him, and the love of his life, Aubrie. He was most looking forward to building the barndominium of their dreams, and filling it with babies and dogs.

Ryan is survived by his family, who love him profoundly and will miss him limitlessly. His loving parents Donald and Andrea (Wiese) Socha, his sister and best friend, Kayla Socha, and fur niece, Lil' Willa. The love of his life, Aubrie Thompson. Ryan's proud grandmothers–Barbara (Matuszak) Socha and Linda (Matzke) Wiese. His many aunts and uncles–Brian (Shelly) Wiese, Teresa (Rick) Olson, Joan (Dave) Anderson, Jane (Joe) Grzelak, Sally (Gary) Ronsman, Mary (Jon) Herzog, Judy Mathes, Sandy (Chris) Sponenburg, Patsy Beers, Joe (Janelle) Socha, Polly (Virgil) Schuster, Fran (Heidi) Socha, and Connie (John) Mleziva.

Ryan will be sadly missed by his cousins–Dalton and Haydn Wiese, Taylor (Ben) Styer and their children Theo and Lulu (known to them as Uncle Ryan), Tracy, Rachel, and Emily Olson, Jordan (Kelli), Jacob, and Jerad Anderson, Joey (Casie), Michael, Anna, and Katelyn Grzelak, Josh (Jenn), Nick, Adam (Lorissa), Aaron (Emily), Kendall Ronsman, Mark (Lexi), Jenna (Nick) Wagner, Lauren, Alaina Herzog; Stephanie Bartlett; Kennedy (Tyler) Domke and Trenton LaCombe, Ethan and Anderson Beers, Lindsey, Taylor, and Charlie Schuster; Austin, Alec, and Blake Socha; Gavin Kaufman, Kinsley and Mason Mleziva. Ryan's godmother–Michelle Patnode, and Ryan's chosen brothers–Zach Patnode and Brady Hendricks.

Ryan thoroughly enjoyed his large family, and the many roles it allowed him to play in everyone's lives. Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Joseph (Grandpa Joe) Socha and Russell (Papa) Wiese, his great grandparents, Uncle Tom LaCombe, and many other family members and dear friends. Special thanks to our friends and extended family. Our family will be forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.

Visitation will be at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N 10th St, De Pere from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 13, 2022, with prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Nativity of our Lord Parish on Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating.

Please refrain from traditional funeral attire. Instead, wear flannel or hi-viz (high visibility) in Ryan's honor. Hard hats not only welcomed, but encouraged