Ryan D. Poellinger

Ryan Daniel Poellinger, age 33, passed away Monday, January 20, 2026. He was born October 7, 1992, in La Crosse to Daniel (Dan) and Cathy (Collins) Poellinger.

Ryan was funny, compassionate, imaginative, and a true ray of sunshine to everyone who knew him. He had a big heart, a sharp sense of humor, and a gift for making people feel welcome. He loved music—especially The Beatles—often performing “Let It Be” on his acoustic guitar and enjoying the sound of a good song.

He had a deep love for creativity and connection. He enjoyed Dungeons & Dragons, video games, and Magic: The Gathering, where imagination, strategy, and friendship came together. He also loved grilling and cooking, sharing meals the same way he shared laughter—freely and generously.

Ryan took real pride in his work and the path he built for himself. Through dedication and persistence, he worked his way up in his career, a climb he was genuinely proud of. Working from home suited him well, and he especially enjoyed traveling for work, taking in new places and experiences whenever he could. He worked hard and cared deeply about what he did.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Cathy (Collins) Poellinger; sister, Molly (Ronnie) DeLong; grandparents, Jerome (Bonnie) Poellinger; aunts, Jackie Patschull, Karin (Mark) Kiehne, and Patty (Craig Tourville) Schumacher; and uncles, Jack Patschull and Billy Patschull.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel (Dan) Poellinger; grandmother, Dorothy (Johnson) Poellinger; uncle, David Schumacher; and cousin, Christopher Schumacher.

Ryan had so many friends and touched countless lives simply by being himself. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse, with a Prayer Service at 4:00 PM with Pastor Melissa Hood.