Agnes Mae Ryser

Agnes Mae Ryser died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Agnes was born May 5, 1934, in Dodgeville to parents Harry and Henrietta (Tonkin) Cleary.

Agnes attended Prairie and Bainbridge grade schools and graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1951.

Agnes married Werner Ryser on May 17, 1952, at Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Blanchardville. She farmed with her husband from 1956 to 1991.

Agnes was a member of Ladies Alter Sodality and served as president for many years. She cleaned the church for 17 years. Agnes was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and, as of 2024, was a member for 60 years. She was a blood donor and volunteer for the Red Cross. She helped organize the Pecatonica Area Food Pantry and volunteered for 15 years. In 1999, she was honored as Grandmother of the Year by Country Kitchen by her granddaughter, Kayla Leverton. Agnes also received the Community Service Award from the Knights of Columbus.

Agnes loved babysitting her grandchildren and loved them all like they loved her. She loved preparing family dinners on Sundays and for holiday gatherings. Agnes loved her trips to California and casinos.

Agnes is survived by her children, Randall (Diane Woznick) of Folsom, CA, Steven (Heidi), Mark (Deb), Gerald “Jake” (Joy) of Blanchardville, Mary (Leo Dollard) of Merrimac. Her seven grandchildren: Kayla (Ben) Fargo, Kathryn (Dylan) Johnson, Eli (Nathan), Alex (Claire), Hannah (Anthony), Gabriella (Gavin), and Addison (Brady). Three step-grandchildren: Anthony, Zach, and Bernadette (Dylan), and three great-grandchildren: Owen and Murphy Fargo and Dean Johnson. A sister-in-law, Judy Cleary of Waunakee, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Connie Ryser, son-in-law Brad Leverton, brothers Ron and Bernie Cleary, and her husband on June 14, 2017.

A visitation for Agnes will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at Blanchard Hall at 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. Father Prabhakar Singareddy will officiate. The service will be livestreamed on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. A catered funeral lunch at Blanchard Hall will follow. The public is invited to bring desserts to share. Saether Funeral Service in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.comor on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.