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.