Ryan Dean Ihnen, 47 of Gifford, passed away at 3:33 a.m.  Monday, October 31, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Christian Life Church, Rantoul.  Visitation will be before the service Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. also at Christian Life Church.

A private burial will be held at Beckman Cemetery, Rantoul.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ryan was born October 9, 1975, in Urbana, the son of Ray and Christy Servis Ihnen.  He married Marci Shields February 4, 2006, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Marci, he is survived by two sons Mason and Raylan; parents Ray and Christy Ihnen; two sisters Rachel (Danny) Warner of Mahomet, Megan (Nathan) Foushee of Avon, Indiana; father-in-law and mother-in-law Curt and Diane Shields of Rantoul and brother-in-law, Joel (Shelby) Shields of Gifford and nieces and nephews, Leah, Alex, Jack and Evalena.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Ryan graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1994, received an Associate Degree in Agriculture Science from Parkland College and graduated from the University of Illinois College of ACES with a BS in Agriculture, Farm and Financial Management.  He was employed by Corteva of St. Joseph for 22 years.

He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville and was attending Christian Life Church, Rantoul.   Ryan had been a very active member of the FFA and 4H.  He was also a member of the American and Illinois Angus Associations and the Illinois Beef Association.  He won the 1995 Illinois State Fair Angus and the 1996 Reserve Grand Champion National Jr. Angus

Ryan was an excellent cook and grill master.  He enjoyed helping his dad farm and hunting and fishing with his sons.  Ryan loved all sports but had a deep passion for baseball especially when it came to his sons.  He could always be found watching their games and was their #1 fan.  A big highlight was watching his son and his teammates become IESA Baseball Class 1A State Champions. Ryan was very proud of his sons.

Memorials can be made to an Education Fund for his children.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.