Ryan Funeral Homes

01/16/2026

We'll be sharing a series of articles about green burials. This post from The Modern Mortician is super insightful and provides more context around what constitutes a green burial.

What questions do you have about green burials?

Green burial depth 🌱

Green burial is often misunderstood because people assume all burials must be “six feet down.” That’s not how natural burial works.

Most green and natural burials are placed about 3.5 to 4 feet deep total, with state regulations typically requiring between 18–24 inches of soil covering the body or biodegradable vessel. The exact requirement varies by state and cemetery rules.

This depth is intentional because:
• The most biologically active soil is closer to the surface
• Oxygen supports natural, aerobic decomposition
• Plant roots, microbes, and fungi do the real work of return
• Deeper burial can slow decomposition by limiting oxygen

Green burial isn’t a shortcut or a modern trend, it reflects how humans were buried for most of history, long before vaults and heavy machinery.

Green burial isn’t about preservation or concealment.
It’s about working with the earth, not against it.

Always check state and cemetery-specific regulations, but know that shallow, thoughtful burial is both legal and ecologically sound.

12/31/2025

As we prepare to welcome a new year, we take a moment to honor the lives and memories that shaped this one. New Year's Eve is a time of reflection, hope, and renewal. It invites us to carry forward the lessons, love, and legacy of those who are no longer with us.​

To every family we have served and to our community, thank you for trusting us in your moments of need. We step into the coming year with compassion and commitment, ready to support you whenever you need us.​

Wishing you a peaceful transition into the new year and a sense of light guiding you forward.

12/25/2025

On Christmas Day, we wish you moments of warmth, connection, and rest. Whether you are celebrating with family, honoring traditions, or creating new ones, we hope your day is filled with small joys that bring warmth to your heart.​

For those remembering someone special, may their presence be felt in the stories you share, the laughter you recall, and the love that continues.​

Merry Christmas from all of us at Ryan Funeral Home. May today offer both grace and gratitude.

12/24/2025

Tonight, as lights glow softly and families gather, we hold close in our hearts those who are missing someone they love. The holidays can bring joy, and they can also bring a tender ache for those who feel the empty space at the table.

If this season carries a mix of emotions for you, please know you are not alone. Our team is thinking of every family who has experienced a loss this year and is navigating the quiet moments that feel different without a loved one.

May peace find you gently this Christmas Eve, and may the memories you hold bring comfort.

12/14/2025

Today is National Wreaths Across America Day, a time set aside to honor and remember the men and women who served our country. Each wreath placed is a simple yet powerful gesture that symbolizes gratitude, remembrance, and the promise that their service will never be forgotten.

At Ryan Funeral Home, we understand how meaningful these acts of remembrance can be for families and communities. A wreath is more than seasonal decor. It represents a circle of life, memory, and honor. It is a way to keep stories alive and ensure that every veteran is recognized for the life they lived and the legacy they leave behind.

As wreaths are placed across the nation today, we join families in reflecting on loved ones who served with courage and dedication. May this day remind us of the importance of remembering, and of the deep impact that a single, thoughtful tribute can hold.

Honoring. Remembering. Teaching. These values surround every wreath and every life remembered.

12/12/2025

Poinsettias are often seen as a symbol of the holiday season,
yet their meaning reaches far beyond December. These vibrant
plants represent goodwill, renewal, and lasting connection. For
many families, they also serve as a gentle reminder of loved
ones who remain close in heart and memory.​

Poinsettias have a unique story. Did you know they originate
from tropical climates??

Their bright red leaves were once used
in cultural ceremonies to honor life, beauty, and the turning of
seasons. Today, they continue to show up in memorial services
and remembrance displays because they bring warmth, color,
and a sense of presence to moments of reflection.​

As we honor National Poinsettia Day, we invite you to consider
the ways small symbols can keep memories alive. Whether
displayed during a service or placed in your home throughout
the year, poinsettias carry a quiet reminder that love endures
and that our connections continue even as seasons change.

12/11/2025

Coming soon to the Ryan Funeral Home blog, a new series exploring the future of funerals and the growing interest in sustainable options.

From green burials to emerging practices such as human composting, we will take a thoughtful look at how end-of-life care is changing in Madison and beyond.

We will also highlight local resources like Natural Path Sanctuary and share guidance from our green burial specialist, Brenda, whose hands-on approach has supported many families choosing natural options.

If you have ever wondered what environmentally conscious funeral care can look like, this series is for you.

Stay tuned for the full collection of articles.

12/09/2025

It's National Christmas Card Day!

In a digital world where communication often moves fast, a handwritten card invites us to slow down and connect with intention. Christmas cards remind us that someone took a moment to think of us, write a message, and send a little warmth our way. It is a simple gesture that carries a lasting impact.

At Ryan Funeral Home, we see every day how much it means to be remembered. A card can offer comfort, spark a smile, or keep a loved one close during the holiday season. As we honor National Christmas Card Day, we invite you to reach out to the people who matter most. A few thoughtful words can brighten the season in ways that stay with someone long after the decorations come down.

What message will you send today?

12/04/2025

Sometimes families don’t want an urn that gets tucked away, feels like dated décor, or leaves them unsure what to do with it.

Yes — you can even choose a custom Darth Vader urn ⚱️

Recently, we helped a family honor their loved one in a way that was uniquely them.

When losing someone, grief remains… but personalizing how you honor a loved one can bring a moment of comfort, even a small smile, in the midst of sorrow.

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we are honoring the spirit of service by recognizing two local organizations that mean a great deal to us: Natural Path Sanctuary and The Farley Center.

Members of the Ryan Funeral Home team have volunteered their time over the years to support the mission of Natural Path Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s first natural cemetery, and its parent nonprofit, The Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability.

Their work in green burial education, environmental stewardship, and community connection reflects values we deeply believe in at Ryan Funeral Home. We are proud to support their efforts and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside them.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back today, we invite you to learn more or consider donating to support their important work:
https://www.farleycenter.org/donate

Giving back is one of the most powerful ways we can care for one another.

12/01/2025

Welcome to December! 'Tis the season for family gatherings, settling into winter, and reflecting on the year past.

11/26/2025

This Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on what matters most.
Family, friendship, and the memories that continue to connect
us long after the table is cleared.​

At Ryan Funeral Home, we are deeply grateful for the families
who trust us to help honor their loved ones. Every story shared,
every life celebrated, and every legacy remembered is a
reminder of how love endures through time.​

May your day be filled with warmth, gratitude, and meaningful
moments with those you hold dear.​

🧡 From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.