Ryan K. Ponick, 26, of Stanley, passed away on April 23, 2025. He was born on February 28, 1999 at Eau Claire’s Sacred Heart Hospital to Todd and Kim (Johnson) Ponick. Ryan grew up in Stanley and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 2017. He went on to UW Whitewater and received his degree in Psychology with a minor in Coaching.
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Ryan enjoyed being in the midst of his friends and family.
He played collegiate football at UW-Whitewater with his brother as a team Captain and was every part of the team spirit. Ryan’s passion for helping others was displayed through coaching and mentoring of young athletes and his own teammates. If he wasn’t pouring himself into others, he was present with his family. Ryan enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking walks in the woods.
Ryan always had a smile on his face; he displayed genuine kindness that impacted so many. He enjoyed being with those who loved him for him. His enthusiasm was contagious. Ryan made you feel loved and part of a bigger picture.
Ryan’s hard work, dedication, and tenacity on the football field reflected every other aspect of his life and how he treated people. His leadership, encouragement, and love motivated many others to live a virtuous life and to lean on the strength of others to persevere and prosper. Ryan’s words were uplifting and inspired the members of his team (his brothers), family, and community.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Dr. Todd and Kim Ponick, his brother, Ron (Melanie Howe) Ponick of Madison, his paternal grandfather, Ken Johnson of Stanley, his Uncle Kevin and Aunt Roxanne Johnson of Hudson, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dan Ferris of Cornell, his cousins, Lauren Johnson, Bill and Greg Ponick, and Becky Nette. He is also survived by his special four legged pal Hudson.
Ryan is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ronald “Buck” and Judy Ponick, his maternal grandmother Sandy Johnson and his Uncle Jim Ponick.
A service of Christian Burial will take place at 1pm on Saturday, May 3rd at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stanley with Father William Felix officiating. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service Saturday at the church. A private family cemetery celebration will take place at a later time.
Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
