Ryan Thomas Piper, age 49, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on February 11, 2024.
A Celebration of Ryan’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM with a Time of Gathering from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Hosanna Church, 9600 163rd St. W, Lakeville, MN 55044.
After high school, Ryan attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology. He began his policing career as a Community Service Officer in Mound and eventually was hired by the Minnetonka Police Department in 1999. Throughout his 24-year career, Ryan was a patrol officer, a K9 handler, a field training officer and a long-time member of the SWAT team. Ryan built a career on a reputation of hard work and integrity. He made friends throughout the law enforcement community as well as the City of Minnetonka. Many would say they never met anyone that did not like Ryan.
Ryan met his wife, Morgan, in 2005 when she finally agreed to go on a blind date. They were married on the North Shore in 2007 and eventually had two children, Avery and Jack. Ryan was a wonderful, energetic father and a beloved uncle to his nephew, also named Ryan. He attended all of Avery and Jack’s hockey practices and games and coached Jack’s hockey team. Ryan enjoyed hunting, camping and ice fishing and he was very excited to share these hobbies with his children.
In early 2018, Ryan was diagnosed with cancer that he would battle for the next six years. He endured surgeries, countless rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, all of which he handled with strength and dignity. Ryan was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 2020 and not surprisingly, he continued to work through much of the debilitating treatment, even when he knew that he was in the midst of a terminal illness. As the cancer progressed, Ryan made a lasting impression on the many Mayo Clinic health professionals involved in his care as well as the team at St. Croix Hospice that went out of their way to make sure he was comfortable. On Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 2:25 pm, the world lost a magnificent person.
Ryan leaves behind his wife, Morgan and their two children, Avery and Jack, his mother, Cecelia, and his nephew, Ryan. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters in law enforcement as well as extended family and friends throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Ryan is preceded in death by his father, Craig, and his brother, Chris.
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Debbie Dennie
Ceecee. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I’m your new neighbor, I am here for you and your sweet dog Ben if you ever need anything! C448. Just come over anytime. I’ll be holding you up in prayers for peace.
Carolyn Halverson
I didn’t know Ryan, but I know his Mother. I know the pain of losing a son. Deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Molly & Mike Lutz
Dear Morgan. We’re so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marc and Judeen Limbeck
Dear Morgan…our heart breaks for you and your family. May your wonderful memories of Ryan and the love he brought into your life bring you comfort. You have been and will remain in our prayers.
Kym Carranza-Meurer
Cece and Morgan. My heart breaks for you and the kids. Ryan was one of the good ones and Cece, that’s because you’re an incredible mother and Morgan, he loved you so much and I’m so glad he met such a wonderful wife to spend his life with. My prayers go out to you, the family and your kiddos through this unimaginable time. If there’s anything I can do to help, please reach out. So much love to you all.
Jim and Liz Comings
Dear Morgan and kids…it is difficult to make sense of the senseless, but I hope you can lean in to God’s comfort and love during this painful time. We only knew “Piper” through our son James, who thought the world of him, but we continue to pray for your family. James shares in your grief for his friend and brother-in-arms. God keep you.
Steffanie Dennis
My sincere condolences to Ryan’s immediate family. He was such a special person. May Ryan live on through your beautiful children. God rest his soul.
Nicole M McMahon
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to Burnsville High School and I remember Ryan being a wonderful and kind person.
Dustin
I had the luck and privilege of meeting and becoming friends with “Piper” our freshman year of college. Ryan’s kind confidence, tactful honesty and witty sense of humor certainly drew me into his circle of friends. I don’t have any memories of him without a bright smile on his face. Deepest condolences to his family.
Kimberly McDonald
I had a crush on Ryan since the 7th grade!He and his double trouble Ryan Kashmsrk were always on their bikes. Joking , teasing! My sincere love and condolences to his mother, wife and children ❤️