Ryan Durin Shada, of Kenosha, WI, at the age of 61 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 6, 2026. Born on September 4, 1964, Ryan was the beloved son of Eleanore (Thomas) Shada and the late Edmund G. Shada, Sr.
Ryan grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Bradford High School in 1983. He continued his education at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, earning his associate degree before going on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Marian University in Fond du Lac. Ryan dedicated many years of his career to working as a die-cast engineer for Albany Chicago until his retirement in 2017.
On March 4, 1989, during a memorable blizzard, Ryan married the love of his life, Kim Denise Larvick. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, raising three beautiful daughters who were Ryan’s greatest pride and joy.
Ryan was an avid Harley-Davidson rider for more than 20 years and cherished the freedom of the open road. He had a lifelong passion for racing, especially sprint cars, late models, and anything involving dirt tracks. He loved spending time at Wilmot Raceway and enjoyed traveling to Eldora Speedway in Ohio to take in the excitement of the races.
Ryan was also a gifted pool player who competed in the KPBL in Kenosha, earning second place in the state a few years ago. He learned the game from the legendary Frank “Sailor” Stellman in Chicago, a connection he always treasured. In addition to his many hobbies, Ryan enjoyed breeding German Shepherds and had a deep appreciation for the loyalty and companionship they brought to his life.
Ryan will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love for family and friends, his adventurous spirit, and the many memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kim Denise Shada; his mother, Eleanore Shada; three daughters, Danielle “Dani” (Lucas) Zahn; Krystal (Nathan) Hale, and Jessica Shada; grandson Charles Zahn, and baby girl Hale who is on the way; siblings, Douglas (Lorna) Shada, Elizabeth “Jeanie” (Don) Howland, Rebecca “Becky” Gerber, and Kelly (Armando Aranda) Shada; mother-in-law Delores Larvick; and father-law-in, Walter Damm. Ryan is also survived by his nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his father, Ryan is preceded in death by his brother, Edmund Shada, Jr.; brother-in-law Henry Gerber; sister-in-law Jan Truax; nephews, Gregory Shada, Daniel Roberts, and Alex Truax; father-in-law James E. Larvick; and mother-in-law Barbara F. Damm.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the oncology and palliative care teams at Northwestern Medical Center in Lake Forest, Illinois, for their compassionate care and support. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the staff at Hospice Alliance, especially Tina, Tonya, and Amy, for the kindness, comfort, and dignity they provided to Ryan and his family during a difficult time. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Proko Funeral Home, especially Kristin, for her kindness and assistance with the arrangements.
A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of the Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home.
