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Ryan Alan Hitchler

Ryan Alan Hitchler, 25, of Waverly, NE, formerly of Grand Island, died Friday, May 15, 2009 at Bryan LGH West in Lincoln.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church. Reverend William Pavuk will officiate.  Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at All Faiths Funeral Home.

Ryan was born December 5, 1983 in Grand Island, NE, the son of Rodney and Sheri (Knuth) Hitchler.

Those left to cherish his memory include his parents; a brother, Alex Hitchler of Grand Island; his grandparents, Elaine Hitchler of Grand Island and Leroy and Rita Smith of Minden.

Also left to cherish his memory are Ryan’s uncles and aunts, Kathy and Bill Bartunek of Grand Island, Rich and Mary Hitchler of North Platte and Doug Knuth of Wood River; numerous cousins and many friends.

Ryan is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harold (Babe) Hitchler and Bill Knuth.

Ryan grew up in Grand Island, attending Shoemaker, Westridge and graduated from Northwest High School class of 2002.  He attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln.  He was a grain bin contractor and worked in construction.  Ryan was planning on attending University of Nebraska Kearney in the fall.

Ryan enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing X-Box.  Ryan was blessed with many wonderful friends.  In this time of sorrow, Ryan’s memory will live on through tissue donation that will benefit many others. 

A memorial fund will be established in Ryan’s memory.