Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, City Administrator Jim Ristow and the entire City of Bellevue would like to express our condolences to the family of former Bellevue Mayor Jerry Ryan who passed away late last week.
After 20 years of dedicated military service in the United States Army and 28 years in education at numerous public and private schools, Jerry Ryan served as Mayor of Bellevue from 1998 until 2006.
Among some of his many accomplishments during his tenure included the agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District that provided for the removal of the former Kramer Power Station with the goal of creating what is now the American Heroes Regional Park on the banks of the Missouri River.
In addition, Mayor Ryan led the process for the installation of the wrought iron fencing around the Bellevue Cemetery; worked to bring a hospital to Bellevue; and, partnered with the State of Nebraska for the Veteran's Home which was constructed on what was then city owned property. He was proud to work with his longtime friend Don Stevens, nearly 20 years ago, to spearhead the Avenue of Flags program that line portions of Franklin Street, Mission Avenue and Galvin Road in Bellevue. He also was known for taking the time to send handwritten personal notes of well wishes or encouragement to many Bellevue residents who were celebrating a milestone or had contributed to the success of his beloved community.
In 2018, the City of Bellevue named the entrance road into American Heroes Park as "Jerry Ryan Plaza" in part to recognize his significant contribution to the Bellevue Community by enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the city and its citizens.
According to his obituary, Mayor Ryan was, "preceded in death by beloved daughter, Joni M. Ryan; and sister, Doris Kruse and husband Chuck. Survived by wife of 63 years, Janet; children, Judy Lane, Jeff Ryan and wife Dawn, and Jean Fisher; grandchildren: Michael Lane (Nicole), Patrick Lane (Hannah), and Kelly Lane; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Charlotte and Natasha; brother, Richard Ryan (Pauline)"
The Visitation for former Mayor Ryan will be held on Thursday, July 1st, 5-7pm, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 2nd at 10:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford Street in Bellevue.The City of Bellevue Police and Fire Department will honor Mayor Ryan by leading the funeral procession from St. Mary's Catholic Church to his final resting place at the Bellevue Cemetery after the funeral. The procession will head east on Mission Avenue, through the Avenue of Flags towards American Heroes Park, for a final drive through of the project that meant so much to him, before heading back toward the Cemetery where he will be buried with Military Honors.