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Ryan Mark Gratzer

Sep. 28, 1997 - Jun. 26, 2023

Date of Service: Jul. 1, 2023

BURLEY – Ryan Mark Gratzer, a 25-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, at Cassia Regional Hospital, with his mom holding his hand. He was surrounded by his dad, mom, brothers and partner.

Ryan was born September 28, 1997, in Newport News, Virginia, to Mark and Trudy Gratzer. He became a big brother to Brandon just a year-and-a-half later and shortly thereafter the family moved to Boise, Idaho. At five years old, he became a big brother again to Devin. They were the three musketeers. The three of them were the light of Mark and Trudy's lives.

Ryan developed so many friendships while attending school in Boise, and he kept in contact with most of them throughout the years. When Ryan was ten years old, the family moved to Burley, Idaho. Ryan quickly developed new friendships. Ryan was such a likeable person and seemed to be the life of the party in any circumstance. People were naturally drawn to him. Ryan made a positive impact on many people.

Ryan graduated from Burley high school in 2016. After graduation, he attended BYU- I for a short period. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Shad Geist. The two of them left college and moved to Burley and began their life together. Ryan decided to go into real estate, so they moved to Boise to begin the next chapter of their lives. Sadly, his real estate career came to a halt due to COVID. Ryan then signed up for and was accepted at BSU for admission into their nursing program. He was excited to venture into the medical field. Sadly, Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in June 2021. The treatments were rough on him, so he had to quit college and his job. Ryan and his mom made many trips to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for surgeries and treatment. Ryan was cancer free for three months before being told the cancer had returned. Ryan and Shad moved back home with Ryan's parents in September 2022. They all did what they could do to take care of him. It was a team effort.

In February of this year, he and Shad stayed in Rochester, Minnesota for two months while Ryan received radiation treatments. They came back home late April and two short months later, the cancer and treatments took Ryan's young life away from us, way too soon. He fought cancer for two years, and he fought with all he had and then some. His parents, brothers and partner are so proud of him!

Ryan was a fun, loving, caring, kind, strong, and brave man. He will always be known for his infectious laugh, kind heart, and his gorgeous smile.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Mark and Trudy; his brothers, Brandon (Elise), and Devin; his partner, Shad; his doggy daughter, Penny; paternal grandmother, Trish (Carl); maternal grandfather, Dennis; and nieces and a nephew.

Ryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Elaine; and paternal grandfather, Steven.

We want to thank the Mayo Clinic, specifically his oncologist and ENT surgeons, Dr. Alluri (his local oncologist), Dr. Guercio for all that he did to help Ryan, Nydia and Derrik from home health and hospice and all his friends that came and visited him. This is not goodbye, this is 'til we see you again.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, June 30, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/Vz_rKXjSzII.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Osteosarcoma Institute (https://osinst.org/donate) in memory of Ryan.

Condolences for Ryan Mark Gratzer

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kathy Darner:

Mark & Trudy. I’m so very sorry for your loss! My prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your family.

From Xyria Morales :

I went to jr high and high school with Ryan. He was such an amazing person and the room would light up when he would walk in the room. He was also my snowboarding buddy whenever we went with the school. He will be missed by so many and I’m glad to call him a friend

From Robin Williams:

I'm truly sorry for your loss. Sweet kid who should have had so much more time.

From Lonnie and Gay Downs :

We had the pleasure of meeting Ryan when he worked for us at Farmer’s Corner one summer several years ago. He was an exceptionally nice young man with the best personality and beautiful smile. We are so sorry for all of his suffering and pray that your family will find comfort in knowing that Ryan touched many lives and will never be forgotten.

From Kathaleen Braegger:

I had only met your son a few times, as neighbors I am sorry we don’t know each other better. But I do want to send our condolences, as a mother who has lost two daughters I know your pain and I am so sorry you are having to suffer this tremendous ache.
May you be blessed with your memories.

From Maristan Baker:

Ryan was one of the sweetest people and so easy to talk to. I am grateful to have known him in high school and even more grateful we got to reconnect and chat a bit a few years ago. We could not have lost a better person.

From Emily Hansen :

Mark and Trudy, my heart hurts for you. I'm so glad you had him while you did. He sounds like an amazing person. Your memories of him, and knowing there is more after death can carry you through.

From Cristal :

I went to high school with him and he was always so happy. His smile made anyone smile! He will be missed .

From Chase Muir:

I had the pleasure of attending high school with Ryan, and he was one of the nicest people I ever knew. His kindness made him an absolute joy to be around.

From Inga and Vince McDowell:

Oh, Trudy and Mark, my heart truly aches for you loss. What little I knew of Ryan was tender. I look forward to knowing him more in the next life. May God Bless your family with comfort, peace and strength.

From Chelsie Zimmer, Mike Zimmer & Jack:

We'll never forget the precious memories we shared with Ryan over the last few years with our family here in Boise. We really enjoyed camping, game nights, all the gatherings and minecraft parties. It was a special gift for us all to know Ryan. He will be missed.

From Josh Beck:

I went to high school with Ryan and he was always so kind and thoughtful of others. He was someone I could always say hi to and always had a smile on his face. We’ll miss you Ryan!

From Celeste :

I am so sorry for your loss . I enjoyed cutting his hair. He was so nice and friendly

From Michael Barcala:

I never got to meet Ryan, but I know he was the love of my dear friend Shad’s life, and that tells me all that I need to know about the depth of his character. To Shad and his family, you have my deepest condolences. I love you all.

From Sherry Jacobia:

I am so sad to hear of this sweet young man’s passing. He was loved and cared about.

From Dominique Martinez :

Ryan was so kind, sincere & just genuinely a beautiful soul that made my friend, Shad, the happiest I had ever seen. He will be deeply missed by many. Rest easy.

From Louise Elliott :

My condolences to family and friends. I didn't get to meet Ryan but I know he was a very special person because Shad chose him and I have the deepest love and respect for him.

From Trent Bodily:

I didn't know Ryan well, but enough to tell he was a kind and gentle soul. My deepest condolences to your family.

From Jessica Orton Dockstader :

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family my deepest sympathy.

From Trendan Hines:

A kind soul unfairly taken before their time. He was kind, and in today’s world that means a lot.

From Wendy Cooper:

Omgoodness! I am in tears for your family! He really sounds like an incredible young man!

From Laura Cyr :

My hearts break for all of you. Your life is foever changed

From Joann standlee:

Sending my deepest sympathy for your family.

From Ann Prewitt:

My deepest condolences he will be missed! I loved getting to know him when I cut his hair for a few years! He was the kindest soul! Rest easy my friend

From Bob Maria Brown :

Many sincere sympathies. Prayers to you and family.

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