Ryan Michael Van Kam

Ryan Michael Van Kam, 44, of Pittsburg, Kansas passed away at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born August 21, 1977 at Girard, Kansas to Frank R. and Teddi Lynn (Chadd) Van Kam. He attended Rock Springs, Wyoming schools through his Junior year.  His senior year he transferred to Southeast High School in Cherokee, Kansas and lived with his grandparents so he could play high school baseball for the Lancers. He graduated with the Class of 1995. Later he studied at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, Wyoming. 

On July 24, 1999, he was united in marriage to Amy Crowell. In 2000, they welcomed a son Braden Alexander Van Kam.  They later divorced.           

Ryan worked as a Manager for Western Petroleum before becoming severely injured in a motor vehicle accident in 2004. 

He was of the Methodist faith.

He loved sports and growing up he played baseball and soccer.  He coached his son’s teams in soccer and baseball. He was an avid Washington Redskins fan.  As an adult, he enjoyed playing men’s softball and loved the outdoors, especially duck and elk hunting, camping and fishing.

He served on the Sweetwater County Parks and Rec Board representing the physically disabled.  In addition, he volunteered for the Safe House in Rock Springs as an advocate.

Survivors include a son, Braden Van Kam and his fiancé, Abby Alcorn of Laramie, Wyoming; his parents, Frank and Teddi Lynn Van Kam of rural Pittsburg; two brothers, Jay Van Kam and his wife, Valarie of Aurora, Colorado and Matthew Van Kam and his wife, Summer of Doddridge, Arkansas; his maternal grandmother, Noralee Chadd of Cherokee, Kansas; and three nephews Logan Van Kam, Dylan Van Kam, and Shaun Van Kam; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ted Chadd and paternal grandparents, Eunice Van Kam and Frank M. Van Kam.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2021 at the Brenner Mortuary with Chaplain Adah Hutchcraft officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Monday at the Brenner Mortuary. Ryan’s funeral will be livestreamed through his obituary page on www.brennermortuary.com.  A private family burial will be at a later date in the Cherokee Cemetery. In consideration of others, the family asks that you follow COVID precautions if unvaccinated. The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice of Sweetwater County. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS  66762. Friends may leave online condolences at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS. 

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