Donald L. Ryser, 87, of Hartford, Ohio, passed away on March 29, 2024, in Ohman Family Living at Briar, Middlefield, Ohio after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

Mr. Ryser was born on January 5, 1937, in Hubbard Twp., the second of four sons to the late Edward E. and Barbara (Rudolph) Ryser. Don graduated from Hubbard High School in 1955, where he was known by the nickname "Happy." Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, honorably serving his country for two years. He then attended ATES Technical School and began employment in 1961 at the former Sherwin-Williams Company (later U.S. Can), in Hubbard, Ohio. During his 34-year tenure at U.S. Can, he worked in various capacities, rising through the ranks to the position of second-shift superintendent.  He retired in 1995.

His wife of 62 years, the former Anna Marie Pesek, whom he married on July 22, 1961, passed away 5 short months ago, on October 30, 2023.  They lived at home together until the time of her death.

In 1971, he and Ann moved their young family from Hubbard to a farm in Hartford, which they named Lucky Bell Farm.  Don was a lifelong horseman. He raised and showed Arabian horses for many years. In the 1970s, his beloved stallion, Siran, won Top 10 in the United States in the Western Pleasure category at the Arabian National Championship Horse Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Don enjoyed trail riding as well. He baled hay for decades, into his late 70s, and supplied many local farms.

Don was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, PA, where he served as an usher.

He was family-oriented, full of energy, outgoing and always willing to help in any way possible. He loved socializing, polka dancing, cowboy movies, country music, and hard work on the farm. He especially cherished the time he spent with his 5 grandchildren in their younger years, babysitting, picking them up from school, taking them to horseback riding lessons, and attending their sporting, musical, and school events.

He is survived by a daughter, Donna Marie Walsh and her husband George, Burghill, OH; a son, Matthew Joseph Ryser and his wife Amy, Garrettsville, OH; five grandchildren, Patrick (Nadia Khalid) Walsh, Margaret Walsh, Christopher Walsh, Megan (Dustin) Sorensen, and Matthew Ryser; a brother, Thomas Ryser, Hubbard. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and William Ryser.

He was and is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either the Alzheimer's Association, at www.ALZ.org; or to Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Blauser, pastor, officiating.  Military honors will be rendered by the Farrell and West Middlesex Honor Guard.  Interment of Donald and Anna's remains will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Hubbard, OH, immediately following the service.