Ryan Robert Harnisch

Ryan Robert Harnisch was a quiet soul with a deep love for the outdoors. He found peace and happiness in nature—whether he was hunting, fishing, hiking, rock hunting, exploring, collecting firewood, camping, or picking huckleberries with his sisters and nieces (often against his will). Even just cruising the back roads for hours on end brought him joy. Out there, in the wild and open spaces, was where Ryan felt most at home.

He took great pride in his work as a builder and craftsman, helping to construct some of the most beautiful homes across the state. In recent years, he worked in Whitefish alongside his roommate, business partner, and dear friend Kris. Their work stood as a testament to Ryan’s quiet dedication and skill.

Ryan’s smirk and quiet chuckle are things that will never be forgotten. If you were lucky enough to hear his full laugh, it likely still echoes in your memory. Though he endured immense pain following a horrific car accident a few years ago, Ryan rarely let it show. He carried his suffering quietly and continued showing up for the people he loved.

If his mom or sisters needed him—truly needed him—Ryan would be there, no matter the hour. He had a giving heart. He’d offer the shirt off his back to a stranger, and he’d do anything for a friend.

His father was his hero, idol, and mentor. The two were cut from the same cloth—kind, big-hearted, and deeply soulful men. One of the deepest and most defining relationships of Ryan’s life was the one he shared with his dad. They were not only father and son, but best friends and kindred spirits. They shared a love of the outdoors, of working with their hands, and simply being together—whether they were fixing a vehicle, cutting wood, hunting side by side. They understood each other in a quiet, unspoken way.

Losing him left a hole in Ryan’s heart, but the bond they shared never faded.

His bond with his mother, Sharlene, was something truly special. He loved her cooking & never stopped appreciating the care and love she gave him every single day. Her unconditional support and constant presence were a comfort and anchor for Ryan throughout his life.

He loved his mom’s cooking & pretty much everything else she did for & with him.

Ryan passed peacefully in his sleep at his mother’s home on June 11, 2025.

He is survived by his mother, Sharlene (Leonard); his sisters, Nikki Harnisch and Catherine (Austin) Vance; his nieces, Nikylie and Jenna (Zane) Harnisch-Colby; and his great-niece and nephew, Zaylee and Zander. He is also survived by his grandmother, Dorothy Harnisch; his uncles, Gene (Mary) Harnisch, Kim (Ellen) Harnisch, Michael (Jane) Drenth; aunts, Gay (Rich) Hawley and Diane Harnisch; and many close cousins.

Ryan also leaves behind a circle of cherished friends, including several lifelong high school buddies who remained by his side through the years.

He is & will be missed more than words can ever express.

His family is planning a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.