Ryan John Esala, age 43 of Virginia died tragically, Monday, September 28, 2015 in Hibbing. He was born July 7, 1972 in Virginia, the son of Gary and Tandy (McDermid) Esala, was a 1990 graduate of Tower-Soudan High School and a graduate of Mesabi Range College. Ryan was currently on active duty with the Minnesota National Guard serving as the Unit Supply Sergeant for Alpha Troop, 194th Cavalry in Hibbing and was previously employed by Davidson Printing in Duluth. Ryan was a member of the Pratt-Volden-Michaelson-Anderson American Legion Post # 239 in Virginia, a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Virginia; a former member of the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 of Virginia and the Virginia Elks Lodge. He was a black belt and a karate instructor with the Minnesota Fighting Dragons, enjoyed deer hunting, riding his Harley, four wheeling, spending time on Lake Vermilion, and being active in community fundraising efforts for Wounded Warrior Projects. Ryan served his country in Bosnia in 2003-2004, Kuwait in 2011-2012, and in local National Guard Detachments in Duluth and Hibbing.
Ryan is survived by his wife: Jane, whom he loved with all his heart; children: Shania Esala, Gavin Esala, Kennedy Esala, Megan (AJ Arntz) Grams and Ryne Laine; parents: Gary & Tandy Esala of Fayal Twp.; grandchildren: Melody and Isabella Esala; siblings: Dean (Heather Lundstrom ) Esala of Lake Vermilion and Jodi (Roy) Pontinen of Gilbert; Mother-in-law: Teresa Castagneri of Britt and her former husband: Steve Lundstrom of Kinney; Paternal Grandfather: Willard Esala of Virginia; sisters-in-law: Jacquelynn (Grams) Whiting of Chisholm and Jennifer (Aric) Borden of Virginia; nieces and nephew: Siiri, Emily & Kate Pontinen and Joshua Whiting; best canine friend: Alfie-Poika; his military family of the Minnesota National Guard, extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents: Burton and Adair McDermid and Elsie Esala.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia. Visitation will continue Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 11 am until the 12 noon funeral service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pike-Sandy Twp. Pastor Don Stauty will officiate.
Memorials are the preferred way to honor Ryan's memory and they may be directed to 23rd Veteran, Duluth, MN which is a nonprofit organization hoping to help veterans with PTSD transition back into civilian life.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ,Friday, October 2, 2015
Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
516 South First Street Virginia, MN 55792
Visitation 11:00 a.m. - 12 Noon ,Saturday, October 3, 2015
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
6959 Hwy 169 Virginia, MN 55792
Funeral Service 12 Noon ,Saturday, October 3, 2015
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
6959 Hwy 169 Virginia, MN 55792
Military Honors Accorded 12:45 p.m. ,Saturday, October 3, 2015
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
6959 Hwy 169 Virginia, MN 55792