Roy Herman Ryttie

Roy Herman Ryttie, age 76, of Hayward, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota on Monday, September 23, 2024. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

He was born August 20, 1948, in Hibbing, Minnesota to George and Mayme (Pauna) Ryttie. He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1966. After graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Business Administration degree, he had a long, successful career as a commercial banker. In “retirement,” he started a handyman business, Remodeling by Roy, where he was well-liked and admired by his clients who called him honest, hardworking, talented and an all-around great person.

Roy married Dena (Nuutinen) on September 7, 1968, and started their married life in Duluth, where their first daughter, Jill, was born. Once he graduated from college, they moved to Minneapolis and added Marcie to the family. They purchased their first mobile home in Burnsville, but shortly after they moved the trailer to land they purchased in Detroit Lakes. In 1974, they moved to Spring Lake Park and added two more to the family, Melanie and Ryan. A few years later, they built a home in Esko. One of the last moves with all four kids was in 1985 to Fargo. There were several other moves, but we stopped counting after 25.

In his spare time, Roy loved to help his daughters with many home-remodeling projects, which they will be forever grateful for – not just the help, but the precious time spent with him. He also loved watching Nascar (on TV and in person), cheering for the Vikings and Twins, putting puzzles together with his grandkids, and traveling with Dena.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dena Ryttie of Hayward, Wisconsin; three daughters: Jill Ryttie of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marcie (Aaron) Morse of West Fargo, North Dakota, and Melanie Downie of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren: Chelsey, Brandyn, Justin, Jessa, Carter, Hailey, Aaralyn, and KJ; three sisters: Elaine (Lyle) Salmela, Sharon (Peter) Kangas, Rose Ryttie; one brother: Melvin Ryttie; and many beloved family members and brothers & sisters in faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mayme Ryttie; sister, Evelyn Wuollet; brother, Albert Ryttie; and only son, Ryan Ryttie.

Funeral service will be held at 1PM, Sunday, September 29, 2024, with visitation starting at 11AM, at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church, 64626 County Rd C, Marengo, WI.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.