Asleep in Jesus, Thursday March 16, 2023.
Beloved husband of Kara Paul (nee Liescheidt); loving father of Lauren, Elise and Lillian Paul; dear son of Karen and the late Robert Paul; dear son-in-law of Kenneth and Betty Liescheidt; dear brother of Nathan (Kristina) Paul; dear brother-in-law of Tim (Chrissy) Liescheidt and Alison (Daniel) Hawkins; dear uncle of Jackson, Claire, Oliver, Isaac, Abbey, Arlynn, Arianna, Noah, AnneMarie, Elaina, Josiah, Lila and Benjamin; dear nephew of Beverly and the late Ronald Paul, Linda and the late Richard Paul, Steven and Joan Nolting, Beverly and Mark Nolting; dear cousin of Lauren (Jim) Anderson, Jarrod (Carrie) Paul, Christine Paul, Tim (Laura) Paul, the late Cody Nolting and Daniel (Meghan) Nolting.
Ryan was born on May 27, 1978, a long-awaited answer to Bob and Karen’s prayers. He attended Green Park Lutheran School, with his high school years spent at Lutheran High School South. Ryan and his younger brother Nate would have many adventures, even some that they could share with their parents. A stand-out athlete, Ryan was known for his great sense of humor (and occasional bouts of mischief). After graduation, he attended Meramec College and played baseball, then transferred to UMSL, but hadn’t yet found a firm sense of direction. In 2000, that all changed once Ryan decided that he loved Kara and precious two year old Lauren. Kara would say Ryan rescued two girls, yet those who love them both know that it was in dedicating his life to loving Kara and being a dad, Ryan finally found his true purpose. Instead of only being the life of the party, Ryan became one who gave life to the party – still bringing all the fun and the crazy antics, but deepening his ability to show care and thoughtfulness through action. Through sheer determination (including hours of studying with Kara at his side), Ryan earned a position at Washington University in Information Technology. Confident in his ability to then provide for his two girls, Ryan proposed in 2001. Ryan and Kara were married in 2002, and from then on were rarely found apart. After rehabbing their first home, they “built a fixer-upper,” crafting a gorgeous haven intentionally designed for gathering family and friends. Ryan and Kara would both end up working at Washington University for a time, with Ryan finishing his career as an IT Consultant with Aspire Consulting. Ryan was known for his exceptional work ethic and unique ability to make even the most boring of meetings fun to be a part of.
The Lord blessed Ryan and Kara with three gorgeous girls. From watching volleyball games to creating home restaurant experiences, to surprising beloved family friends with 13 hour road trips, this family loved being together. In his last days, even when his arms and hands stopped moving, Ryan continually poured out his words to make sure all of his girls knew how much he loved them and was proud of them.
Ryan was a rare breed: a genuine servant heart with an agile sense of humor, one that kept friends and family on their toes but never pushed anyone down. He will be deeply missed. From softball games, golf tournaments and volleyball sidelines, to basement Rock Band gigs and spur-of-the-moment “let’s do it!” adventures, the absence of his big-hearted presence will be felt for years to come. Ryan gave and received a lifetime of love in his forty-four years of life on this earth, a true reflection of the Love that was given to him in Jesus, and in whose love he now rests.
Arrangements: Evening of Remembrance and Fellowship: Lutheran High School South, Friday March 24, 5 – 9 PM.Memorial Service: Concordia Seminary – Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, Saturday March 25, 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran High School South or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
My dear nephew and godson. You have always been a bright light in our family and in our hearts. Your love for friends also shined brightly. You kept your faith always and shared your faith with others you came in contact with. A great testament to your Christian upbringing. Heaven has gained a very special angel. Love you always. Aunt Linda
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man that left our presence too soon. I am truly blessed to have known/worked with Ryan for over twenty years and always marveled at his genuine ability to show everyone the same kindness and respect. But there was no doubt what he cherished the most. Ryan could not hide that he so loved and was dedicated to Kara and his daughters. I’m going to miss Ryan but I will cherish the memories and heaven gained a very large angel; both in his stature and heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Kara, his daughters, and his family.
Kara, So sorry to hear about the passing of Ryan. You and Ryan and the girls were such great neighbors. Bob and JoAnne Bentrop were keeping us informed during Ryan’s hospital stay. Ryan is with his dad in heaven together again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Kara and the girls. May he rest in peace with our Lord in Heaven.
Dave
My thoughts and prayers go to Kara, Ryan’s daughters and his mom, Karen, who is a friend of mine. I know that he will be missed terribly, but they know that they have a special angel watching over them.❤️
That smile… when you were a “dorky” freshman, a leader on the basketball team, helping at school, or me teasing you… you always had that beautiful crooked smile. Now everyone in heaven gets to see it, God bless Ryan, God bless his family. ….Coach.
Ryan,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I was very happy when we were able to reconnect over the volleyball years. You are such a light! You will be missed dearly. I’ll always remember going over to your house to play with your He-Man figurines and the big Skeletor Castle. Had fun times being your childhood neighbor and was pleasantly surprised when you came up to me and told me our kids were in the same team! God Bless you and family and friends. You are probably with my dad and yours. Love to all the family on behalf of all the Werton family and Emily
I was privileged to work with Ryan for many years at WU and always found his advice and guidance to be spot on. He was my ‘source of truth’ often during complex projects and challenges. I and many of his colleagues will miss Ryan for his gentle humor and wisdom. He was a true friend and my heart goes out to his wife and daughters for their loss.
Sending the Paul family my thoughts and prayers! Ryan will be missed by everyone who knew him. My heart goes to to his beautiful girls and to his mom Karen who I worked with at Concordia Seminary. God’s blessings to you all.
Ryan-
We love and miss you. We know you are making angels laugh and saints happy in heaven, but our hearts are sad without you. Sending many prayers to Kara and the girls.
Ryan was a great friend, colleague and true member of the Washington University family. Ryan joined the department as a member of our trainee program which was formed to change code for the Y2K date issue. His intelligence, dedication, quick wit and easy manner made him a great fit for the department and the University. Beyond his contributions to many important projects he and Kara were integral to the department’s “fun team”. The combination of Kara’s creativity and Ryan’s trusty truck and strength contributed to the success of many events.
I was fortunate to know and work with Ryan for the many years as a member of the department and he will be truly missed.
My thoughts and support are with Kara and family during this difficult time.
Unfortunately I never met you but heard so much good about you through your good friend Dave Cannon. R.I.P. and may your family hearts heal from the pain.
My deepest sympathy.
Steve Liescheidt
Just reading the caringbridge posts were a testament to this family’s faith that showed so brightly in the midst of this tragedy and beast called “cancer.” Cancer did not win. The faith of the Paul family won. God won. Ryan’s presence and his being will be sorely missed, but the love his family has for Jesus continues on.
My prayers are with you.
God’s peace in Christ for the family who awaits in the church militant until there is only the church triumphant.
Ryan was a great friend and mentor to me while I got joined Washington University family.
I was privilege to learn from him about HRMS system with receiving fully respect and patience.
He was truly one of my favorite individuals who touched my soul. He will be missed for his gentle humor and wisdom.
My thoughts and support are with Kara and family during this difficult time.
May you R.I.P. Ryan and your family and friends be blessed with the peace and comfort in Gods love.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Kara and Ryan’s family. I was privileged to work with Ryan at WashU. He was an incredibly smart, dependable and fun co-worker. I miss our weekly Team chats regarding project status and catching up on travels to his daughters volleyball games.
Ken and Betty
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know it is difficult to lose anyone but one so young is even harder. May your faith, friends and family get you through these difficult times.
Gerry & Darla Loesch
My prayers are with the family especially Kara, Lauren, Elise and Lily. May faith in God provide strength in the years ahead.
Kara and Family,
I am so very sorry. You are truly dealing with the unimaginable. May God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
Your Cousin,
Karla
Although we have never met, your beloved wife Kara spoke of you often of many wonderful things. Sending Kara, the girls and families love and strength in this time of loss.
Dear Kara, Lauren, Elise and Lilly,
We pray that the Lord will give to each
of you what He knows, in His infinite wisdom, that you need.
Love, Allan and Elissa