Richard James Ryer of Port Washington, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the age of 87. The son of Martin and Petronilla (nee Morauski), born on May 10, 1933. He married the love of his life Dorothy Kraus on July 13, 1957 and together they had four children. Richard was a 1951 graduate of Port Washington High School where he competed and held the school rushing record in football for a few years and was also a state champion in track and field in the 200-yard dash. He enlisted after graduating High School in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1951-1955 during the Korean War. He was Buck Sergeant and served as a Cryptographer. Richard received the Korean Service Medal, the U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. After his return he met and married Dorothy and soon after opened a tavern in Port Washington. He also later became the owner and operator of Richard's Shoes. Richard worked for Simplicity Mfg. and tended bar at Smith Bros. He was an avid golfer, loved life, danced whenever he could and could bring a smile to all who met him. He was also a huge Green Bay Packer fan. In 1980 he and his wife realized their lifelong dream of moving to Arizona, where he became the owner and operator of Fanfare Shoes in Mesa. Richard ultimately retired in Sun Lakes, AZ with his wife where he continued his passion for golf achieving multiple holes in one. He tended bar at the local golf club and was loved by all. After his wife's passing and nearly forty years in Arizona, he decided to come back to his childhood home of Port Washington. Richard is survived by his children, Lesa Labansky, Lynn McKeon, David Ryer, and John Ryer; grandchildren, Zach, Dylan, Dacota, Ryan, Nicolas, Benjamin, and Alexis; sister, Debbie Ryer-Jung. He is further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his daughter Barbara, his grandson Matthew; brothers, Martin Jr. and Eugene. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 12:00-2:00PM at Eernisse Funeral Home (1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074). Military Honors will follow the visitation at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on Thursday. The Ryer family would like to extend a special thank you to Harbor Campus and Heartland Hospice for their care and support of Richard. The Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com