Braaksma, Ryan Thomas - 1979-2012

BEERENDS, BRAAKSMA, STEIN, VAUGHN, VER STEEGT

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/28/2024 at 13:32:55

Ryan Thomas Braaksma, 32, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012.
His remains were cremated and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2012, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 5625 Franklin Ave, Des Moines.
Ryan was born July 27, 1979, in Grinnell, IA. He attended Lynnville-Sully Schools until moving to Des Moines, where he attended Hoover High School.
Ryan married Anne Stein on August 20, 2005, in Negril, Jamaica.
Ryan was a talented musician who began playing the guitar when he was 14. He was in many local bands as a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist: Empyrean, The Roze Band, Smokin' Whiskey, Big Balls, and Alister Hag. Ryan was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He played jazz with his wife, Anne, and was a beloved teacher of guitar for the past eight years.
He was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers. He loved riding his motorcycle and taking annual vacations with Anne to Jamaica.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jeanette Braaksma; his grandfather, Gerald Ver Steegt; and his uncle, Farrel Vaughn.
Ryan is survived by his wife; father, Ronald Braaksma, of Lynnville; mother, Janet Vaughn, of Des Moines; sisters, Lesley (Steven) Beerends, and Maren Braaksma of Des Moines; grandfather, Robert (JoAnn) Braaksma, of New Sharon; grandmother, Gretchen Ver Steegt, of Des Moines; nephew, Jackson Beerends; aunts, uncles and cousins; his two furry (kitty) children, Basil and Dio; and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ryan's family.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, July 1, 2012, page 8B