Dr. E. Roger Rynda, age 93, of New Prague, died Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Traditions in Montgomery. Dr. Rynda was born September 12, 1921 in New Prague to Edwin Frank and Adelaide M. (Maruska) Rynda. He attended St. Wenceslaus School, New Prague High School, the College of St. Thomas, Marquette University, and finally, attained his medical degree at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. He served in the Army as a Captain and worked during WWII in the psychiatric department at the Veteran’s Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. He married Patricia Jamieson on October 5, 1946 at St. Cloud, MN and after a short residence in St. Cloud, the couple would move to New Prague in 1949. That marriage would end with the untimely death of Patricia on October 6, 1955. He married Armella T. Holzer on October 13, 1956 at St. Benedict, MN; Armella died on November 27, 2002. Roger would practice medicine for well over 50 years as a Physician and Surgeon in General Practice, retiring in February 2004. Dr. Rynda was instrumental in getting Queen of Peace Hospital (then called Community Memorial Hospital) built; in addition, he and Benedict Bruzek would start the first ambulance service in New Prague. He also had the first X-ray machine in his office, predating even the hospital in that service. During his practice, Dr. Rynda delivered over 2000 babies. He was a member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus, AMA, Degree of Honor; he served as a LeSueur Deputy Coroner and was a former Chief of Staff at Queen of Peace Hospital. In his leisure time, Dr. Rynda enjoyed golfing, woodworking, gardening (was noted for his roses), and his love of music and was noted for his record collection of opera and show tunes.
Dr. Rynda is survived by his children, Patricia (& Gilbert) Barlage of Montgomery, Ann Rynda of Maple Grove, Luke (& Faustina) Rynda of Ridgecrest, CA, Roger (& Valerie) Rynda of Kalaheo, HI; grandchildren, Matthew (& Maria) Barlage, Chris (& Laura) Barlage, Kyle Rynda, Erin Rynda; great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Mariana, Taylor, Abby; brother, Richard Rynda of Tucson, AZ; sister, Shirley Woodward of Centennial, CO. He is preceded in death by his wives, Patricia Rynda, Armella Rynda; brother-in-law, Jack Woodward.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father David Barrett officiating. Visitation will take place Friday from 4 – 8 PM and Saturday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military rites conducted. Lunch will follow at the KC Hall.
