Our hearts are beyond broken as we mourn the tragic loss, Ryan Gelatka, who suddenly departed this world on Saturday, September 12th, 2020, by suicide.
You would never know it, but this is the dark side of addiction and depression. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS did we ever think we would be writing these words. Not us. Not our family. Not this handsome, passionate, talented person. God! Our hearts break writing these words; tears fill my eyes, and we can barely breathe as we attempt to write something worthy of this man’s light. NO WORDS will ever be able to quantify what he meant to everyone that knew him. There are no words that express the gut-wrenching pain our family is experiencing because of this tragedy.
You were a loving son, a supportive sibling, a doting partner, a proud father, and the best friend anyone could wish for. He leaves behind the Gelatka family, Lauren Ashley and her son Noah, and his three beautiful & beloved children Caitlyn, Ryleigh & Kinsey.
In lieu of flowers, please help us raise funds for his children’s future to reduce additional stress and allow the grieving process to occur. This will be of great help in the care of his family, Lauren, and his three daughters. The Gelatka Family greatly appreciates your donation by clicking: Ryan Gelatka Family Fund.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 3-8pm at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook, IL 60527. Funeral Service & Celebration of Life will be Friday 11am at the funeral home.
To watch the service live please click the following link: Ryan Gelatka Celebration of Life.
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During the pandemic of 2020, data reveals some of the most frightening and staggering spikes in anxiety, depression, substance use, drug overdose, and suicide rates that anyone has ever seen. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are several resources you can reach out to for help, including:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (or online chat)
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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