Clesson L. Ryckman

March 18, 1934 - November 17, 2019

Clesson L. Ryckman, 85, of South Boardman, passed away peacefully November 17, 2019 at home on the family farm with his loving wife of 64 years and his children by his side. Clesson was born on the family farm on March 18, 1934 to Seymour and LaVerne (Jenkins) Ryckman. In 1952, he graduated from Kalkaska High School where he was a standout varsity basketball player and member of the band and glee club/chorus. He farmed his entire life, initially with his dad, then took over the farm in 1955. He was the executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for 20 years – first in Kalkaska, and later in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. He also served on the Conservation Board for many years and was once named conservationist of the year. On July 17, 1955 Clesson married the love of his life, S. Kay Sherwood. They had known each other since grade school and were high school sweethearts. Clesson loved God, his family, friends, farming, deer hunting, his community and John Deere tractors. He enjoyed watching baseball, basketball and football. He also loved music and shared his beautiful bass voice while singing in the choir where he was a trustee and member of the East Boardman United Methodist church. He was an honest, strong, wise, hard-working man with a quick wit who was always loving, supportive and protective of his family. Forever ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed for his family, his church and his community. He was a strong supporter and regular attendee of Kalkaska High School Sporting events and attended hundreds of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities over the years. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Kay; children, Lynda Raymond, Lori (Bill) Garrock, Craig (Kathy) Ryckman; brother Willard Ryckman; sisters, Gene Woodhams, and Virgil Uitvlugt; grandchildren, Stephanie, Jessica (Rod), Ryan (Brooke), Tony, Kaitlyn (Sam), Jared, Natalie and Grant; great-grandchildren, Shay, Joel, Nathan, Silas and Arlo; cousin and best friend, Robert (Bev) Scully, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clesson was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Seymour Ryckman and DeVere Ryckman; sisters-in-law, Marie (Seymour) Ryckman, Maxine (Willard) Ryckman and Betty (DeVere) Ryckman; and brothers-in-law, Victor James (Gene) Woodhams Sr. and Martin (Virgil) Uitvlugt. The family wishes to express their sincere and special thanks to Laura Casey and the Heartland Hospice Team. Per Clesson’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will take place early summer of 2020 for family and friends on the family farm. Memorial contribution may be made in his name to BU 4747, heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper View Suite 113, Traverse City, MI 49684 He will be missed here on Earth but will forever be in our hearts. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.