Ryan Rehfeld, age 34, died Saturday, March 26, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in Clear Lake, SD. Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in White, SD. Visitations will be 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Church. Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ryan Walter William Rehfeld was born to Diane and Rob Rehfeld at their home in Warner, SD on October 21, 1981, joining four older siblings. Ryan's family moved several times before settling in Brookings, SD, when he was three. He gained a younger brother, when he was six. Ryan went to kindergarten and first grade at Medary Elementary in Brookings. The family moved to White and Ryan started second grade at Deubrook Elementary. Except for one year in the Sioux Falls school district, Ryan completed his schooling at Deubrook.

During high school Ryan worked as a CNA at the White Care Center. When he was a senior, he moved into Brookings with his older brother, Jason Rehfeld. He switched jobs and became a house monitor with Advance and worked in the home across from Medary School. Ryan loved caring for people who couldn't take care of all their own needs. He developed many close relationships with some of those in his care, both at the Care Center and Advance. He used some of his pay to purchase items for those who didn't have family close, because he thought they needed it or would enjoy the item. He often went on his days off to spend time with his clients because they enjoyed each other's company.

Ryan was known to be a bit of a practical joker and often got into trouble with some of his pranks. He enjoyed going to all the towns around the Brookings area to attend sporting events with his friends. It was Ryan who begged for his favorite snack to be offered at the concession stands. He loved dill pickles and often kept a gallon of whole dills in his car in case he wanted a snack.

One of Ryan's favorite hangouts was at his best friend JD's house. He stayed there until his "Other Mother" JoAnne would send him home. He loved hanging out with his friends and was usually front and center in any photos taken of the group.

In the summer, he liked to sneak down to Six Mile Creek with his brothers to fish and swim. Just don't tell his mom, she wouldn't like it.

He loved celebrating the holidays with his family, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ryan was very close to everyone in his family. He was very generous when it came to sharing hugs. Ryan's smile warmed every room he entered. He gave love and support freely to those who were blessed to know him. The last words he said to his mom after their last Thursday date was, "I Love you Mom, Catch you later." Giving her a hug before running off to join friends.

Ryan had big plans of what he was going to do after graduation, but none of his plans were meant to be. On May 20, 2000, the night before he was to graduate, a tragic shooting accident left Ryan in a persistent vegetative state due to a brain injury caused by anoxia.

Ryan was moved to the White Healthcare Center in November of 2000, and lived there until the facility closed in July of 2015. At that time, he was moved to the Good Samaritan Society Home in Clear Lake, SD. Ryan's mom was at his side when he let go of the last ties that kept him bound to this earth.

Even though his life was cut short, Ryan loved life and lived it to the fullest every minute. He was quick to forgive, and never held a grudge. He touched the lives of so many people both before and after the accident that altered his life. Ryan will be remembered as a kind and loving soul with a generous heart, and arms willing to reach out to help or hug as needed. He had the most amazing smile.

He is survived by his mother Diane (Duane) Anderson of Aurora, SD; three sisters; Kelli Doyle (Kyle Foster), Crystal (Antonio) Leal of Sioux Falls, SD, Diana (Ephraim) Stacy of Chesapeake, VA; two brothers Jason Rehfeld of White, SD, and Sterling (Cindy Clark) Rehfeld of Sioux Falls, SD; nine nieces and nephews: Terrin Sutton, Braxton and Landon Doyle, Angelica, Adriana, Alejandro Leal, Nathaniel Rehfeld, all of Sioux Falls, Gabrielle and Makai Stacy of Chesapeake, VA; his "Other Mother" JoAnne (Marvin) Ovall of Astoria, SD; three best friends JD (Jack), (Marge) Thompson of Brookings, SD, Luke Olson of Sioux Falls, and Michael Johnson of Brookings, SD; his maternal grandmother, Phyllis Killen of Chamberlain, SD; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.