It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Luke George Ryks of Ethan, SD — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
Luke held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Luke's was one.
Luke Ryks, 46, of Ethan, SD, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, May 16, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at New Home Lutheran Cemetery in rural Mitchell. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service.
Luke George Ryks was born on June 18, 1979, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Debra and George Ryks. He graduated from Mitchell Senior High School in 1998. During his time there, Luke was a dedicated member of the wrestling team for six years, contributing to an incredible run that saw the team earn six consecutive state championships.
Luke was a jack of all trades, whether he was farming, tiling, doing cement work, pheasant guiding, or welding. He was a man who truly lived life in his own way, full of laughter, love, and a spirit that never quite grew up. He was a child at heart, and anyone who knew him knew that if there were kids around, that's exactly where Luke would be. Whether it was sledding in the winter, flying kites, dyeing Easter eggs, or taking his nieces shooting, he created countless memories filled with laughter and joy. Some of the best memories were the simple ones, like the times he insisted on being the one riding the sled while the kids pulled him around, laughing nonstop until the sled broke.
As the years went on, those moments turned into late nights around Deb's table, sharing stories, drinking whiskey, and laughing louder than anyone else in the room. Luke loved his friends and family wholeheartedly and had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. He was one of the most caring and genuine men you could meet.
He never questioned lending a helping hand, no matter the situation; Luke was always there. Over the last few days, that's something that has been heard time and time again, countless stories of his generosity, his reliability, and the quiet way he showed up for people whenever they needed him.
Though Luke did not have children, his four dogs, Thor, Charlie, Jax, and Luna, were his world, and he was rarely seen without at least one of them by his side. He loved hunting, spending time outdoors, playing cards, and cutting and stacking wood, always taking pride in doing it just right. More than anything, he simply loved being around the people he cared about.
Luke is survived by his parents, Debra and George Ryks; brother, Jason Ryks; nieces, Makayla Batton, Laney, and Ella Ryks; nephews, Kristian Coughlin, Jacob Ryks, and Logan Gunderson; great niece, Baylor Batton; great nephews, Braxton and Benton Batton; along with many other relatives and close friends who will miss him deeply.
Luke was tragically taken far too soon. He was a devoted son, a proud brother, a fun-loving uncle, and a loyal friend. Life will not be the same without him, but the memories and laughter he gave so freely will live on in everyone who knew and loved him.
Bittner Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
