Ryan Lee Nauenburg, 42, formally of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep, on Thursday November 23, 2023, at his home in Fort Laramie, Wyoming. A Celebration of Life will be held with family and close friends on December 9, 2023 from 1-4pm at Redz in Mitchell, NE. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Ryan’s wishes.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home in Torrington, WY. Friends and family may send their condolences by viewing Ryan’s memorial page at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Ryan was born May 9, 1981, in Scottsbluff, NE to Robert and Geraldine “Jeri” (Rahmig) Nauenburg. He grew up in Mitchell, NE and attended Mitchell Public Schools.
Ryan worked various jobs throughout his life. He had many skills but was especially talented in wood working, mechanics and building. He enjoyed being outside; being with his boys; hanging out with his buddies; riding four wheelers and go-carts; grilling; fishing; and working on “things”. Ryan was always tinkering on something. Whether it be a car, a tractor, a lawn mower, a go-cart, or building his own things. He had many “works in progress” and you could always find him starting something new. Ryan never missed the opportunity to teach his kids things. Whether it be how to drive a four-wheeler; use a tool; fix something up; or be a chef on the grill. He was always grilling or cooking something, and his food was the best! You would also never find Ryan passing up a cold beer, a bonfire or a trip to the lake. He was very free-spirited and lived his whole life that way.
Ryan will be deeply missed by his loved ones, all those who loved him, and all who knew and experienced his big heart and deep love.
Survivors include the love of his life, Dawn Chapman of Fort Laramie, WY; children, Serenity Sterkel of Alliance, NE, and Robert and Caden Nauenburg of Morrill, NE; brother, Chris Nauenburg (nieces Hallyn and Alex Nauenburg) of Scottsbluff, NE; sister, Joyce Nauenburg of Orange County, CA; aunts, Sandy Rahmig, and Brenda Strauch of Mitchell, NE; uncles, Tim (Cathy) Rahmig, many cousins, and lifelong friends; Brandon Kay, Martin Corona, Ron Weil, Jeremey Haworth and Tim Peterson.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Geraldine “Jeri” Nauenburg and Robert Nauenburg; infant daughter, Taylor Hope; paternal grandparents Betty and Edmund Nauenburg; maternal grandparents Bonnie and Alex “Whitey” Rahmig; numerous paternal aunts; and cousin, Mike Nauenburg.
The family respectfully requests that any donations be made to the GoFundMe listed below to help with funeral expenses.