Ryan Krochmolny

Ryan Michael Krochmolny Gunnery Sergeant USMC {Ret.}

A lifetime of Honor, Courage, Loyalty, and Bravery

Ryan was born on Friday, December 2nd, 1983 at Delnor hospital in St. Charles, a very special day indeed for William M. and Susan Krochmolny. He was the best and most cherished Christmas gift ever for the family which also included dogs Sabre and Mishka. Living in Algonquin, the Krochmolny family was filled with pure joy and magic with family and friends celebrating his arrival.

Time passed, and Ryan grew strong and became inquisitive and a bit mischievous. He began walking at just 9 months old which soon became speed walking and then running in short order. Of course “Dada” was his first word as he began babbling and talking up a storm. Sue loved when Ryan called his pajamas jammies, and was sad when he decided to pronounce the word correctly… no longer a baby!

The Krochmolny family life centered around family and friends, happy times celebrating birthdays and holidays and always included the family dogs. But tragedy struck in October 1986 when Ryan’s father died in a plane accident, an absolute shock to the whole family and their friends. Although Ryan was just 3 at the time, he never stopped missing his father.

Shortly thereafter Sue and Ryan moved to Bloomingdale, IL where they bought a small home and lived together with his great­ grandmother and grandma Betty {great Aunt}. Their new home gave them structure and comfort. With his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living nearby, it was as close to ideal as possible. Especially all of the family get togethers; 4" of Julys, Thanksgivings, Christmases, and tons and tons of birthday, graduation, and baptism celebrations, all happy family togetherness. Ryan and his Mom and Aunt Betty attended Incarnation Episcopal Church in Bloomingdale, and although Ryan hating getting up Sunday mornings and dressing for church, he loved going and loved his friends there.

How Ryan loved to travel. His first big trip when he was just 4. It was a Disney Cruise and Disneyworld fun. A special and memorable gift from his Uncle Pete, Aunt Karen, and Grandma K. who wanted Ryan and his Mom to make special memories during their difficult time of heartache. Ryan and his Mom would travel 2-3 times a year, usually with Sue’s best friend ‘Aunt” Kathy. Bermuda, New England States, Philly, New York, Maryland Shores, D.C., Virginia, N.C Outer Banks, Lake Tahoe, Carson City NE., Donner Pass, Sacramento, San Francisco, Yosemite, were a few of their wonderful trips.

Another love---movies, especially old black and white films like "All About Eve", the "Thin Man Series", "Casablanca.” He did have some favorite recent films too, such as "The Birdcage", "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", ''The Cane Mutiny'' and more.

Ryan attended Winnebago Grammar School. An above average student earning B’s, his love for sports became absolute. His first love was basketball. He loved the Chicago Bulls, but who didn't in the 80's and early 90's! Of course, his favorites were Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, so much so, he named his new puppy. Pippen.

His sports passion turned to football and the Chicago Bears. He was only 2 years old when the Bears won the Super Bowl, but he started playing football in 6" grade and continued through his sophomore year in high school. Ryan attended St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield WI. and graduated high school in 2002. These were some of his most productive and character building years. Although he missed being home and we encouraged his to come home after his sophomore year, he decided to stay and complete his coursework and graduate from St. John’s. His stepdad, Joe Beuttas and his Mom were disappointed, but understood his attachment to friends and instructors at St. John's and supported him throughout the rest of his schooling there.

It was at St. John's where his sports passion changed from football to rugby, good grief is all his mother could say. His St. John's team was very good and won regionals and then travelled to Australia to challenge teams Down Under. Another great trip and great experience.

After graduating from St. John's in June 2002, Ryan attended Middle Tennessee State University where he majored in Criminal Justice. Ryan always hated bullies and always tried to protect those not as "tough" as he. Ryan continued to play Rugby and travelled with his team in their conference and he loved it. During his second semester he decided MTSU was not for him and wanted to come home. He registered at College of DuPage, bought a truck, and got a part time job. It was such joy for his folks to have him home and seeing him every day with a smile on his face. While at COD, he and his class took a trip to London for studies of the criminal system in England. One of the “Bobbies” awarded Ryan an official police hat, oh how he treasured that hat. It is very possible that they also had great times in the pubs!

It wasn’t long before Ryan began to struggle with a decision he just had to make until finally he shared it with his family "Mom I need to join the Marines. I need to protect our country. I need to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If I cannot be a Marine. I will find another way to help. Marines are first in and last out, the gold standard. 9/11 can never happen again."

Ryan surpassed all the requirements and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was so excited; he found his life’s purpose. Even though he wanted to find the right women and raise a family, at this time, he wanted, no needed to do what he could to help to make us and others safer than before. After several weeks at boot camp in Camp Pendleton, CA. Ryan past the "Crucible" which he seemed to actually enjoy, he was ready to graduate and become a "Marine". Joe, Sue. and his cousin Breanne, Grandpa Bill, and Grandma Ines flew out for his graduation. What a grand and incredible ceremony, tears flowing from all family and friends.

Ryan’s first deployment was to Fallujah Iraq. There would be another, and then another, and then another after that. Deployments included the Philippines, Korea, Southeast Asia, Afghanistan and others that were secret missions. That first deployment, Sue was allowed to escort him to his gate. Watching him at 22 years old boarding that plane to fight the bullies, was an incredibly difficult farewell. He waved and boarded, throwing a kiss good bye.

Ryan was the epitome of a Marine and had an illustrious career, beginning as a Team and Squad leader, Field Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor and Unit Leader as a Scout Sniper. During his many deployments, Ryan was a strong leader and someone all of his peers looked up to. While deployed to Afghanistan with the 3/5 Kilo group, Ryan exemplified his leadership and bravery. On three separate occasions, his leadership and unselfishness helped him save lives. In one instance, Ryan carried a wounded Marine for more than 500 yards through enemy machine-gun fire to get him to safety. When the combat became too heavy to move, he put the Marine down and laid his body over him to protect him while he fought back against the insurgents. This was the infamous Battle of Thanksgiving.

On two additional occasions, Ryan led his squad into heavy fighting to recover Marines who were pinned down by machine-gun fire. Ryan was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V.” The “V” distinguishes the valor of his actions in Afghanistan. He stepped into action when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated and severely wounded Marines in his platoon. He took charge of the platoon and oversaw the medical evacuation of the casualties. Ryan also led his Marines through an IED-laced field to support a squad under enemy fire. He brought his men through multiple small arms fire engagements, demonstrating an ability to act quickly and decisively under pressure.

After all these deployments, Ryan's next duty was Drill Instructor at Camp Pendleton, he put the fear of God into the hearts of his new recruits. All he wanted was for his Marines to be smart and come back whole to their loved ones. He put his heart in that mission and he did consider that his mission, to protect his Marines.

Ryan was assigned to Quantico for a time and later to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. At that time, he was
diagnosed with severe PTSD. He and his family had to learn his triggers and he began dealing quite well with all the horrors of war which every veteran serving in battle knows the evil they witness and must eradicate. Most people could never do it and never would. It takes a brave souls with a love of God, country, family, friends and freedom.

Ryan retired in August 2020. During the past few years he entered Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio, TX for treatment of his PTSD. He found solace and resolution at the center, but returned 14 months later for additional treatment. His treatments were successful and he began mentoring and giving motivational speeches. If you would like to view one, it is on youtube.com/ Laurel Ridge Ryan Krochmolny. Ryan received a service dog, Basilone, how he loved him. They were last home for a visit in June. Basilone is a great dog; Ryan did an incredible job training him. Ryan loved and lived for his Marines, his family, his friends, for freedom, and for God.

Sue cannot imagine her life without Ryan, his cocky and funny dry sense of humor. His little teases which often went many moments before Ryan would just look at his mom and think "Really Mom?" He was her “Darlin.” He was blessed with God, his wonderful family, his many friends, his Marines, his country and his dogs.

Visitation Friday, October 1st, 10:00 am until time of service 11:00 am at St. Michael Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Avenue Barrington, Il. 60010. Interment, with Marine military honors, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.