Ryan Wilhelm Ondrus

Ryan Wilhelm Ondrus, age 52, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died on November 9, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. He was born on June 12, 1973, in Pontiac, Michigan, to James Ondrus and Suzanne (Wilhelm) Bailey. Ryan grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where he lived until his junior year of high school before moving to Drummond Island. He graduated from DeTour High School with the class of 1992. He loved the outdoors and treasured his life on Drummond Island, where nature was always close at hand. He was an enthusiastic traveler who enjoyed exploring big cities, with memorable trips to Alaska and Jamaica among his favorites. Ryan was an avid collector of music, movies, and photographs, and he nurtured a deep curiosity about his family’s history. He found joy in capturing photos of nature, wildlife, sunsets, and sunrises. Ryan was a proud member of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and relished riding his Harley alongside his brother and friends. A voracious reader, Ryan especially loved history, most notably stories of the Old West, along with politics and a wide range of fiction, from classic authors to contemporary voices. He was also a devoted film enthusiast who appreciated every era and genre, including documentaries, comedies, and westerns, which he enjoyed for their sweeping scenery. Among his greatest joys was attending the performances and sporting events of his nephews, Aidan and Jaxon. Ryan is survived by two fathers who each played a significant role in his life, James (Deb) Ondrus of California and Denny Bailey of Drummond Island; brothers, Erik A. Ondrus of Drummond Island and Antonio J. Ondrus of Mission Viejo, California; sisters, Paige Charboneau of Mission Viejo and Danielle (Reno) Calabrese of Los Angeles, California; nephews, Aiden, Jaxon, Xander, Cal, Beau, Luca, and Trey; nieces, Stella, Gemma, Elle, Thea, Shea, Alivia, Cece, Evie, Edan, and Allison; aunts, Jo (Ed) Zeerip of Traverse City, Patty Bailey of Cedarville, Judy Bailey and Gay Bailey of Drummond Island, Mary Pat (Dan) Armistead of Petoskey, Michigan, Eileen (Mark) Seiles of Commerce Twp.; uncle, Jack (Gloria) Ondrus of The Villages, Florida; cousins, Jeff (Terry) Armistead, Matt Armistead, Jen (Joe) Bianchi, Sarah (Bill) Krieg; and extended family, the Bailey’s of Drummond Island; as well as many loved extended family members. Ryan was preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne Bailey; parental grandparents, Jack and Betty Ondrus; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Patricia Wilhelm. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2026. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.

Tributes

Ryan Wilhelm Ondrus

June 12, 1973 - November 9, 2025