ALTENHOFEN, RYAN JEROME, 58 , passed away peacefully at his home on November 21, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime filled with love, laughter, service, and devotion to the people who meant everything to him. He was born on April 17, 1967, in Davenport, Iowa, to Jerome and Barbara (Parker) Altenhofen. Ryan spent his early years in Iowa until 1978, when the family settled in Derby, Kansas—a place that would shape much of who he became. He attended school in Derby and graduated with the Class of 1986, carrying with him friendships, memories, and a spirit of determination that stayed with him throughout his life.

Soon after high school, Ryan chose a path of service by joining the Army Airborne Division. He served his country proudly for four years, including during the First Gulf War. His time in the military strengthened the qualities he was already known for—courage, grit, loyalty, and a quiet sense of responsibility for others. When he completed his service, Ryan returned home to Kansas, ready to build the next chapter of his life.

With a natural compassion for people and a desire to help, Ryan pursued nursing. He attended Barton County Community College and earned his Bachelor's degree as a Registered Nurse. Nursing fit him naturally—he had a warm presence, a steady hand, and a heart big enough to make others feel safe and cared for. Over the years, he worked in various settings, including Andover Healthcare, where he first met a young woman named Sophia Adams. Life took them in different directions for a while, but fate had other plans. In 2005, while working at another job, they unexpectedly reconnected. This time, both single, they discovered that what had once been friendship now felt like something much deeper. Their bond grew quickly, and on October 15, 2006, they were married in beautiful Jefferson County, Colorado. From that day forward, Sophia was his home, his partner, and the great love of his life.

Ryan had many gifts, but one of his greatest was his ability to tinker with and fix almost anything—anything, his family liked to tease, except the garbage disposal. He loved taking things apart, figuring out how they worked, and putting them back together. When his children were younger, he was happiest packing up the family for camping trips and days spent fishing, teaching them to enjoy the outdoors the way he always had. His softer side often showed through during those simple family moments—laughing around the campfire, casting a line into the water, or just watching the kids play.

He was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan, and watching a game—especially a good one—was his idea of the perfect afternoon. He enjoyed golfing too, even if he didn't get the chance to play often. At home, nothing relaxed him more than sitting with his dogs—Charlie, Dezi, and Connie—tossing a ball for them and letting their unconditional love wash the day away. The house was always alive with their antics, along with the bird Pedro and the cat Nico, each one a part of the family he treasured.

Ryan had a big heart—one that often tried to stretch wide enough to take care of everyone around him. He genuinely wanted people to feel appreciated, understood, and included. He could be a goofball, never passing up the chance to tell a funny story or lift someone's mood with a joke or a well-timed bit of mischief. He loved going to the casino, where he enjoyed a little gambling, but even more loved watching people—each expression, each conversation, each walk of life reminding him how much beauty and humor there was in the worldAbove all else, Ryan loved his family.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Sophia; children Blake Altenhofen, Gordon Shaver, Patrick Adams, and Valerie Mears; and grandchildren Gracelyn Mears and Alice Mears, who brought light into his life in ways he could never quite put into words. He is also survived by his siblings Regina Arroya, Michael Hanke, Karen McAnulty, and Barb Carlton; his mother-in-law Mama T; his stepmom Pat; and all the beloved pets who made his days brighter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Barbara, and his father-in-law, Charles Adams, Jr. Though he has stepped beyond this life, Ryan's kindness, humor, loyalty, and love remain woven into every story, every memory, and every heart he touched.

Ryan will be laid to rest with honor at Winfield Veteran's Cemetery at a date to be announced. Those who loved him take comfort in knowing he now rests in peace—his service remembered, his laughter cherished, and his love carried forward.