John D Rykken

life story

A Great Father

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of John D Rykken on June 2, 2023 at the age of 85.

John and his wife Toots, purchased Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats in 1980 and ran it successfully for 20 years. In 2000, they sold the resort to their oldest son Ron and his wife Beth who still run it today. John's sense of business and organization helped turn Timber Bay into on of the premier Minnesota resorts as we know it today. He was named Resorter of the Year in 1998 by the Minnesota Resort Association.

After he and Toots retired, they still loved to come to the resort to visit with guests. He was always proud to say the business has been in the family for over 40 years.

He will be missed by all of us here at the resort as well as many Timber Bay guests he always thought of as friends.

John Rykken

John D. Rykken passed away on June 2nd 2023 in Prior Lake MN after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born in New Ulm MN to Clifford & Vicky Rykken on Feb 9, 1938.

John graduated for Minneapolis Southwest High School, continued his education at the University of Minnesota with a degree in Engineering followed by completing his masters, also at the U of M.

In 1959, he married his late wife, Mayleann Toots Trask. They had three sons together Ron, Bob & Tom

John worked for Control Data Corp for over 20 years which included two tours in Europe. Once in Frankfort, Germany and the second in Brussels, Belgium.

While in Europe John & Toots had a lot of opportunity to travel and visit several countries throughout Europe.

Both sharing a love for the outdoors, in 1980 John & Toots purchased Timber Bay Lodge & Houseboats which they successfully ran for twenty years. Throughout their time owning and operating Timber Bay, they grew the resort into one of Minnesota's premier vacation destinations. They met many friends while at the resort and had the opportunity to enjoy the woods and water they both loved.

John was the President of the Minnesota Resort & Campground Association in 1991 and awarded Minnesota Resorter of the Year in 1998.

In 2000, John & Toots passed the resort onto their son Ron and his wife Beth. John & Toots purchased a home on Birch lake where they would spend their summers. John continued to enjoy coming to the resort throughout his retirement to visit with guests, join into a volleyball game or enjoy a meal.

In retirement John enjoyed playing golf, volleyball and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 year Toots Rykken, his Parents and his older Brother Ken. He is survived by his son's Ron (Beth) Rykken of Babbitt MN. Bob Rykken of Prior Lake MN and Tom (Joni) Rykken of Credit River MN. Six Grand children, Kristi (Brett) Frydenlund, Cortney(Sam) Carlisle, Ben (Anna) Rykken, Bailey(Anthony) Reynolds, Tessa Rykken & Brianna Rykken. And six Great Granddaughters. John is also survived also by his sisters Rodi (Dick) Whiting and Jeannie Kane, sister in law Pauline Weinhaus and several nieces and nephews.

John will be laid to rest at St Stephens Lutheran Church in Bloomington MN with a Memorial service to follow this Fall.