Ryan Rowell Obituary

Ryan James Rowell, 20, of Colorado Springs left us suddenly to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 13, 2015.

Ryan was born April 28, 1995, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, to James and Carol Rowell. His parents' service in the U.S. Air Force brought the family to Colorado Springs in August 1996.

He attended local schools and graduated from Rampart High School in 2013, playing football his senior year.

Ryan had worked in landscaping since he was a teenager and most recently was employed by Affordable Plumbing. He was a student at Pikes Peak Community College and was nearing completion of an associate degree in welding.

Ryan found enjoyment and solace in the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing - especially for salmon in Wisconsin with his father - hiking, hunting, boating with his family, mountain biking and riding his dirt bike.

Blessed with a radiant and disarming smile, Ryan's easygoing demeanor and laughter endeared him to many. He especially treasured time spent with his friends.

Ryan is survived by his parents, James and Carol Rowell of Colorado Springs; sister and brother-in-law, Cari and Kris Rowell of Colorado Springs; paternal grandmother, Loretta (Richard) Paar of Dubuque, Iowa; close family friends, John and Sarah Hageman of Colorado Springs, Linda Gowan and Cheyenne Childers of Colorado Springs; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Rowell; paternal stepgrandfather, Larry Walters; and maternal grandparents, Anton and Ruth Plechacek.

A memorial service celebrating Ryan's life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 21, at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs. Lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ryan's name to Rocky Mountain Field Institute, 815 South 25th Street, Suite 101, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.