Ryan Laskowsky lived a truly rich life despite that doctors couldn’t determine exactly what condition he had or what to expect when he was born on January 19, 1988. He will be what he will be, is what his parents were told, and so they sought to help him be all that he could be. With the help of physical therapists, he was able to move beyond the deficits in muscular strength with which he was born. Although never able to speak, and despite some level of mental challenges, Ryan learned to understand and communicate. Technology aided this, but much of it was him figuring out how to express himself through facial expressions, gestures, and making unarticulated sounds.

Ryan was happy by nature from the time he was little. He was interested. He paid attention and he picked up on things. His penchant for being dramatic and funny reflected that. Above all, Ryan loved people. So many people came to know and love Ryan in his 37+ years. He needed care, but what you gave to him, you got back in spades. One thing that Ryan understood very well was that he was loved and that he belonged.

Sadly, Ryan developed aplastic anemia, a condition where his bone marrow stopped producing healthy blood. He was not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant and efforts to trigger healthy production to kick back in were not successful. It was a matter of time before transfusions would no longer sustain him. With his strength and energy waning, many goodbyes were said. Ryan was kept comfortable until he passed into the waiting arms of Jesus on July 21, 2025. He never knew how sick he was.

A Celebration of Ryan's Life will take place on Sunday August 31, 2025 from 11am to 3pm at The Vessel Network at 10834 Emmet St. in Omaha NE. It's located behind the McDonald's at 108th and Maple. Please enter using the side entrance. Read Ryan's Obituary.