Ryan was born in Stevens Point, WI, in 1982. He was born into a United Methodist family. His grandfather, Ralph Koelemey, was the pastor at The Springs UMC (formerly the Plover UMC) for a number of years. Ryan started studying music at the age of 5 and has played a variety of instruments including piano, trumpet, and tuba.
Ryan currently works full-time as an actuarial analyst at Sentry Insurance, and also plays tuba and piano as a Staff Sergeant in the 132d Army Band of Wisconsin Army National Guard. Ryan and his wife Amy have three sons, Austin, Evan and Ian, and daughter Adeline.