Ryan Lee Wiseman

Ryan Lee Wiseman, 59, of Columbus, OH, passed away on March 2, 2021. He was born to parents Ennos W. Wiseman and Eilean L. Wiseman, on November 30,1961 in Fort Madison, Iowa. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 oz. He was the last of 5 children. His sisters loved caring for him as a child. Always the grinner!

He graduated from Central Lee High School in 1980. He was active in music and a member of the high school’s double quartet. He loved playing the trumpet in the band and was inspired by Maynard Ferguson. This mighty group of friends built a cabin back in the woods where everyone could come back and enjoy. The cabin still stands today. He grew up in the Embury United Methodist Church, Donnellson, Iowa. A place where everyone is family and everyone knows your name!

Growing up on the family farm in rural Farmington, he rescued his beloved horse “Sassafras” from an abusive owner. Sassafras shared his love. Regardless of his time away, she would come running when he called her name, even if his voice was barely above a whisper. As was with his dad, he had gentle ways with animals. When camping out in the woods on the family farm, he would wake up, only to find he was surrounded by all the black Angus cows sleeping all around him, protecting him.

He went on to study at University of Iowa and graduated from Culinary Institute of Philadelphia.

Ryan was the chef and managed a ski resort in Michigan before moving to Columbus, OH. While in Michigan he met Barbara Willett in 1990 and married in Columbus, OH on May 23, 1992.They have 3 children, Joachim Willett, Brandy Wiseman and Jennifer Wiseman.

While in Columbus, he was the Chef at Makoy Center and catered daily for the National Guard, among other assignments throughout his career. During a pro-longed illness, his mission was to help others cope with kidney dialysis while working through the effects of Goodpasture’s Syndrome himself by driving them to and from the dialysis center, encouraging them all the way.  He was dedicated to making others happy. He was a force for all things good and positive. Ryan was always the optimist. He was kind with all he met. He was an avid reader and could talk to anyone about just about everything and took an interest in everyone he met. With a quick wit and a smile, all were entertained. In one word, Joy! Was always shared!

Ryan is survived by his wife Barb and their 3 adult children, his brother Robert (Carla) Wiseman in Chehalis, Washington, sister Beverly Ort, of Farmington, Iowa, and sister Jan Allburn (Dave) of Glouster, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Neil Wiseman of Burlington, Iowa.

Memorial service to be held at the Edwards Funeral Service, 1166 Parsons Ave in Columbus, OH on Thursday, March 11th from 1:00 to 2:00 and a funeral service to be held at Embury United Methodist church, interment in the Embury cemetery. Date and time to be announced in June. Memorial contributions are being established.