UNION GROVE - Ryan Paul Luxem, 11, died Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at home surrounded by his loving family following a long and courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born September 11, 1999, in Racine, to Matthew and Amy (nee: Kaiser) Luxem. Ryan was a sixth grade student at Union Grove Elementary School. Ryan's strong faith carried him through the difficult times of his illness. He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He enjoyed building Lego models, playing football, and was an avid Packers fan. Ryan was known for his talent in origami. He felt strongly about contributing to childhood cancer research through the MACC Fund and sold his origami to raise money for that cause. He also sold his origami to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ryan participated in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society as well. Ryan is survived by his Mom and Dad; his sister, Sofia; his brother, Seth; his grandparents, Susan and James Luxem and Judith Kaiser; and his great- grandparents, Felix and Lorraine Stachow. Ryan is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Paul Kaiser; and great-grandmother, Mae Luxem. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Union Grove with Rev. James Keuch officiating. Burial will follow in Union Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends can visit with the family on Monday, January 3, 2011, at the church from 3 until 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday at the church from 9 until 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family can be made to MACC Fund. Matt and Amy would like to extend a special thank you to family, friends, the community, and all of the staff at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for their support, love, kindness, and prayers. POLNASEK-DANIELS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 908 - 11th Avenue Union Grove 878-2011 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com