Ryker Allen Pfingsten, 12 of Lincoln passed away July 15, 2024. Born June 1, 2012, in Lincoln, NE to Ross Allen and Amy Rae (Hibbert) Pfingsten.
Ryker attended Adams Elementary and Scott Middle School and was a member of Southwood Lutheran Church. He loved trains, tractors, farming, animals, being outside, going to the zoo, going to school, spending time with friends and family, going on adventures and always pushing the boundaries of his physical limitations; from riding the roller coasters at Disney World, ziplining at grandma and grandpa’s, tubing behind a boat, running with mom – completing a ½ marathon together in 2022, riding in his trailer while biking with the family, and riding along on the farm. Ryker had the absolute best smile that warmed every heart it found. Beginning at the age of 4, Batten disease stole so much from Ryker, including his motor and cognitive skills, his movement, his vision, and his speech, but Ryker never stopped smiling (his sister was always guaranteed to get a smile) and never stopped fighting – right up to the very end. He will forever be the most loving, courageous, strong, and amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend that we could ever hope for.
Family members include his parents Ross and Amy Pfingsten; sister Mila Rae Pfingsten; maternal grandparents James and Sheri Hibbert, Adams, NE; paternal grandparents Allen and Karen Pfingsten, DeWitt, NE; aunts, uncles, and cousins Allison and Jake Werger, Adley, Braxtyn, Cortlyn, and Dawsyn, Palmyra, NE, Jen and Sean Shaeffer, Alex. Emma, and Andrew, Lincoln, NE, Aaron and Lindy Pfingsten, Siera, Haylee, and Ava, Arlington, NE, Lori and Jeremy Landis, Alayna, Raegan, and Harper, Waverly, NE; paternal great-grandmother Martha Aring, Jacksonville, IL.
Funeral service: 10:30 am Friday, July 19, 2024, Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hill Blvd. with Pastor Michael Ryan officiating. Luncheon immediately following the service. Private interment.
Visitation with family present will be from 5-6:30 pm Thursday, July 18, 2024, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorials to the family at Westgate Bank for the Ryker fund.
Services
Visitation
5:00 pm-6:30 pm CST
Roper & Sons South Chapel
3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516
Funeral Service
10:30 am CST
Southwood Lutheran Church
4301 Wilderness Hill Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska
Share a Memory or Condolence
Condolences to his family
– Carson loveless
Ryker will always have a special place in my heart. He always loved so hard and always so happy. I will always remember his love for tractors and grandpa’s tractor when I met him when he was 4. I’ll never forget his laugh and sweet smile. It will always be a pleasure to have known Ryker. Thank you for sharing him with all of us at Little Kingdom. Sending love to you guys through this hard time.
– Megan Holmes
Sincere condolences to the entire family. Keep your memories alive in your heart ♥️
– Kathy Erickson
I first knew about Ryker through our local BNI chapter where I met Amy his mom. He immediately struck a chord with me. I suppose having a disabled son myself made me more sensitive than most. You could see his tenacity and yet gentle demeanor. I could see how he could be mischievous and sweet at the same time. The one thing that sticks out is that God uses all things for his glory. And Ryker’s passing and his short life has impacted so many people. I know that his passing has impacted me in ways that I never knew. Caused me as a believer, to lean even further into our Lord and Savior. I pray that others will do the same. Ryker maybe gone from our sight, but never gone from our hearts.
– Matthew & Tracy Anderson
When I picture Ryker, I see his big smile and feel his contagious joy for life. Shortly after we moved to Nebraska, we attended a baseball game and sat on the grassy hill. Ryker ran up and down that hill, laughing and giggling with boundless energy, wearing his little ball cap. He would run to Uncle Aaron and then back down the hill. It was such a cute sight. As I looked through pictures, I found so many from that night, capturing the joy of that moment. Now, I envision him doing the same in heaven, and it brings me joy all over again. 
– Lindy Pfingsten
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved son. We are sending prayers of comfort for you all Sincerely Frank and Toni Lisec
– Toni Lisec
So many wonderful memories. My favorites were times we spent in the stander and talking or listening to music. Also when he got his fire engine car! And when we rode the adapted bike in his earlier school years. I am out of state working at a camp for children with special needs this week do sorry I will miss his services but my heart is with him. Miss Susan
– Susan Van Brocklin
I drove school bus 
for Ryker and Mila 2 yrs ago. What a great family. Even though he couldn’t talk, he said volumes with his eyes and smile.
My deepest sympathies,
– Diana Chilson
You the man Ryker! God Bless.
– Bobby Mersed
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