Ryan Matthew Luebkert

Ryan Matthew Luebkert (age 46) of Saginaw, Ml, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 21st, following a valiant battle against cancer.

Ryan was born in Saginaw, Ml on February 2nd, 1977, son of John F. Luebkert and Royale E. Pugh (Yingling).

He attended Nouvel Catholic Central in Saginaw, where he was an exceptional student and athlete, competing in basketball and baseball. He went on to attend Albion College, and shined as a standout baseball player for the Briton's varsity squad, graduating with a B.S. in biology. After college, Ryan went on to a successful career as a pharmaceutical/military contract sales representative for multiple major companies.

An active and competitive athlete all his life, Ryan competed in many triathlons, including a half Iron Man. He was also an avid snow and water skier and earned his license as a pilot of small planes.

A beloved son, phenomenal brother, amazing father, and loyal friend to many, Ryan had a number of excellent qualities (e.g., intelligent, kind-hearted, great sense of humor as well as a strong faith in God.)

First, his incredible love for and dedication to his beautiful sons - Matthew, 15, Luke, 14, and Nicklaus, 10. Despite his difficult diagnosis and subsequent aggressive treatment, he continued to travel all over the state (including the Upper Peninsula), covering many miles, to attend his sons' hockey and baseball games and to be there to encourage and support them.

Second, his gregarious, enthusiastic, genuine, warm and good-hearted personality and his passion for life. As Ryan was eventually hospitalized, it was incredible to witness the support of his friends and family and to hear stories of how his kindness and ability to connect with people (including some he only recently met) positively encouraged and influenced others, as well as the gratitude they conveyed regarding his genuine altruism.

Like the fierce competitor and hitter he was on the diamond, Ryan went down swinging, never giving up or showing any fear as he fought the good fight, like a champ, until he won the race and always kept the faith.

Now his beautiful spirit lives on through his sons, family, friends and all the lives he positively impacted throughout his amazing life. He is survived by his sons Matthew, Luke and Nicklaus, mother Royale Pugh and step-father Thomas Pugh, step-mother Lynda Luebkert, brother Michael Luebkert, aunts and uncles Connie and David Bedford, Connie and Paul Luebkert, and Howard and Hermie Yingling; cousins Aaron Bedford and wife Megan, Allison Lemay and husband James, and Amy Zimmerman and husband Michael, niece Madeline Luebkert and nephew William Luebkert, and his dearest friend Laura Somogyi.

His family would like to thank the staff of Brian's Place, Essexville, and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care during his last days.

Visitation will take place at W.L. Case & Company Funeral Home on 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Saginaw, MI, on Wednesday, May 31 from 2:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. Funeral will take place Thursday, June 1 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw, MI, 48602. Those wanting to make a show of their sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to Peace Lutheran Church, Brian’s House, or Manistique State Savings Bank Hockey. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.

The funeral service at Peace Lutheran Church can be viewed on YouTube at the link here: LINK