Ryan Joseph Koehn

Ryan Joseph Koehn passed away at Shelby Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelby Township, Michigan on December 22, 2022 at the age of 43. Ryan was born in Warren, Michigan on May 1, 1979 to Dennis and Renee Koehn. Ryan was a 1997 graduate of Utica High School excelling in Football. Ryan quarterbacked the Chieftain team breaking his brother's record for passing yards in the process. Ryan was called back to his High School alma mater 5 years after graduating to take part in the coin toss in a game where his Chieftain team honored those that serve rolls as firefighters/EMTs/and police officers. Upon graduating from Utica High Ryan took his talents to Wayne State University where he studied and played for the University's football team earning his letter and playing for the Tartars/Warriors for 2 years. After leaving Wayne State University Ryan joined the Detroit Fire Department. Ryan served the citizens of the city of Detroit for over 19 years as one of the first responders earning the Detroit Fire Department Medal of Valor and saving countless lives and properties. At age 28 Ryan was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Ryan refused to let this diagnosis define him and used his years playing football and on one of the nation's busiest fire departments to fight against his new opponent. Ryan's brother Todd saw a photo published by Pulitzer Prize winning author, and cancer patient, John Kaplan of the hard rock group Pantera's lead singer Phil Anselmo's head tattoo that says 'stength'. Todd couldn't help but notice that this tattoo was in the exact spot where Ryan's surgery scar was from his treatment. John Kaplan and Phil Anselmo both flew to Detroit to present this photo to Ryan and Ryan and Todd became an integral part of the documentary that Mr. Kaplan was working on titled Not As I Pictured. Ryan also loved to be out in nature. He would often be found hiking with his friends or just sitting and taking in all that was around him. In stark contrast Ryan also loved music by bands like Pantera for Ryan it was always the louder the music was the better it was. Ryan is the beloved son of Dennis and Renee Koehn. Loving brother of the late Todd Koehn. Dear uncle of Mackenzie and Delaney. A memorial service for Ryan will be held at a later date. Please refer back to the website for details. Memorial contributions in Ryan's name may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/srch/donate-to-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital.html?frequency_selected=0&sc_icid=impactgiving-donate-bttn-top or to the Detroit Fireman’s Fund https://www.detroitfiremensfund.com/donate

Ryan Joseph Koehn

May 1, 1979 - December 22, 2022