Ryley Himmelspach

Ryley Martin Himmelspach, 38, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 1, 2025 after a short but difficult battle with Influenza and pneumonia. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Anthony, ND. Rosary will be read at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Food will be served in the church basement following the burial. After the service and meal, an open house celebrating Ryley’s life will be held at the St. Anthony Verein Hall (across from Rusty's Saloon and Grill) with sharing of memories, slideshows, and refreshments.

Ryley was born June 13, 1986 to Steven and Mary (Barth) Himmelspach. He was the middle child of three-between Kim and Trever. He received his education in St. Anthony and Mandan, graduating from Mandan High School Class of 2004.

After graduating high school, he lived in Colorado and attended Colorado Mountain College. While there he received certifications such as Firefighter Training and Wildfire Behavior. He later used this knowledge to volunteer for the Mandan Rural Fire Department. While in Colorado, he took in all the mountains had to offer. No matter where he was, he enjoyed spending time outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, snowboarding, kayaking, and golfing were some of his favorite activities. He even worked as a snowboard instructor in Colorado and Montana for some time.

When he returned to North Dakota, he started his own business, Himmelspach Flooring. Through knowledge gained from previous employers, he became a highly-sought-after flooring installer in commercial and residential properties. You unknowingly walk on many of his floors today.

In true Ryley fashion, he was hardworking, but he also knew how to joke and mess around – which he did often. Everyone who knew him has memorable stories of Ryley. It has been said “he could turn an average Tuesday into an adventure and story to tell for a lifetime.” He was truly one of a kind. He knew how to push a person’s buttons, but made his way into everyone’s heart with ease. He will be incredibly missed by all who knew him.

Ryley was a child at heart which made him great with kids. He “took the time to play and pick on all the kids”-- most of which, his nieces and nephews. Playing games with Uncle Ryley was the highlight of any gathering.

Georgia, who he raised as and considered his daughter, was his greatest pride and joy. He was incredibly proud of her and felt truly blessed to witness her grow into the beautiful young woman she is today. He took great satisfaction in caring for both her and her mother (Amanda), bringing much-needed light and happiness into their lives.

Ryley was full of adventure and was a risk-taker. He has traveled far and wide, but his most recent adventure was being an owner of High Tied, a bar and grill in Nicaragua. He also purchased a fishing charter business and enjoyed deep sea fishing. He made frequent trips to Nicaragua and was excited to show his friends and family pictures and videos of his latest adventure. He lived his life to the fullest and danced to the beat of his own drum.

Within the last year, Ryley met Amy Masso. Their time together was short, but incredibly meaningful. They enjoyed spending quality time together and all the adventures that ensued.

Ryley is survived by his parents, Steven and Mary; daughter, Georgia Tryan; former spouse, Amanda Tryan; partner, Amy Masso; sister, Kimberly (Steve) Barnhardt, and their children, Brittany (Jared Mendoza), Bailey “Josie”, Bradley, and Bellany; brother, Trever (Faune), and their children, Ruger, Hudson, and Braxton; grandmother, Bernice Himmelspach; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Agnes Barth and Martin Himmelspach; and numerous family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a college fund established for Ryley’s daughter, Georgia. An account has been opened at Starion Bank titled Benefit for Georgia Tryan. Venmo account pending.