Charlotte Mae Ryan

Charlotte Mae Ryan (nee Young) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 17, 2025, at the age of 93.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dale D. Ryan, daughter Suzee Willis, parents LaVerne and Edith Young, brother Roger Young, mother-in-law Bessie Ryan, sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Marty Hoff, daughter-in-law Shellie (nee Schilz) Ryan and grandson Henry Turmelle.

Char was a lifelong Milwaukee resident, graduating from North Division High School, where she met Dale. After his Navy career they married and moved to the South Side on Fillmore Drive, which became their home for 64 years. They began their family of six with three daughters, Suzee Willis, Kathleen (Ron) Turmelle, Debra (Bruce) Johnson, and a son, Scott (Barb) Ryan. The family continued to grow adding ten grandchildren, Tammie (Shawn) Clendenning, Tiffany (Rodney) Richter, Tracy (Paolo) Troccoli, Zachary (Emily) Turmelle, Gary (Michelle) Johnson, Bruce II (Nicole) Johnson, Michael Ryan, Scott Daniel (Amanda) Ryan, Christopher (Brandi) Ryan, Megan (Ryan) Heiges, and Daniel (Nicole) Janke. At her passing Char’s family continued to flourish, adding 16 adored great-grandchildren and 11 treasured great-great grandchildren.

In her early years Char worked at a retail (fashion) store where she developed her passion for watches and glasses… always with the bling! She then worked for a florist on Burnham Ave, where she discovered the beauty in flowers. Her real devotion came with her association at the Milwaukee Police Department. Dale was a dedicated MPD police officer for 40+ years. Char began her 44-year civil service career, receiving several MPD accolades for their trust and confidence in her integrity, abilities and dedication. After her retirement she continued to enjoy her associations with MPD co-workers, especially the Employee’ s Retirement Association.

Char made many new friends when she moved from her Fillmore Drive home to the Sacred Heart Monastery Apartments with her companion Toto. She loved to walk through the halls with him in her million-dollar buggy. Char and Dale had a long lasting and cherished friendship with George Kloppenburg from Amberg, WI. She also had a special place in her heart for Doris Wittenburg, Toto’s groomer and stepmom. Char’s legacy of love, service and family will forever remain in our hearts and all those who knew her.

Her family wishes to extend their sincere thank you to her fantastic team, Camille, Monica and the evening team at the Southpointe Assisted Living center for their compassionate care, and Sara at the Brighton Hospice for her kindness and comfort care.

Mom, you will always be a part of our lives.

Visitation will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, WI, Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM with a Service to follow. Private Interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, Char’s family requests memorials be made in her name to the Milwaukee Police Retirees Association.

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