A 26-year-old UW-Whitewater Warhawk student-athlete, Ryan K. Ponick, passed away on April 23, 2025. However, details of his sudden passing remain unknown.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Dr. Todd and Kim Ponick; his brother, Ron Ponick, and Ron’s partner, Melanie Howe.
Likewise, he also left behind his paternal grandfather, Ken Johnson; his aunts and uncles, Kevin and Roxanne Johnson, and Kathy and Dan Ferris; and his cousins, Lauren Johnson, Bill and Greg Ponick, and Becky Nette.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ronald “Buck” and Judy Ponick; his maternal grandmother, Sandy Johnson; and his uncle, Jim Ponick.
A service of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stanley, with Father William Felix officiating.
Whereas, visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A private family cemetery celebration will be held at a later date.
Ryan Ponick Played Collegiate Football At The University Of Wisconsin-Whitewater!
Born on February 28, 1999, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Ryan was the son of Dr. Todd and Kim (Johnson) Ponick.
Raised in Stanley, he graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 2017, where he excelled in both football and baseball.
Ryan began his college career at UW-Eau Claire in 2017 before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Later, he went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Coaching, a degree aligned with his career.
He played collegiate football at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as a team captain alongside his brother, Ron.
Ryan made his debut on the Warhawk roster in 2018, appearing in two games.
Alongside his athletic pursuits, he excelled academically, securing a spot on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Scholastic Honor Roll for three consecutive years: 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Playing in 13 games, Ryan demonstrated his versatility on both offense and defense.
On the offensive side, he carried the ball 18 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns, delivering a standout performance against Carthage, where he rushed for a season-best 41 yards, including a 27-yard run, in a dominant 46-7 victory.
He found the end zone again in decisive wins over UW-Platteville (65-21) and Greenville (Ill.) (69-7) in the NCAA Playoffs.
Defensively, Ryan made an impact with six tackles and a fumble recovery, stepping up in key playoff matchups, including the NCAA quarterfinals against Central (Iowa) and the semifinals against Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas).
Following his tragic demise, UW-Whitewater Warhawk Football posted an eulogy, writing:
Ryan exemplified a work ethic and love for his teammates that was unmatched and set the example for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ponick Family during these difficult times.
UW-Whitemaker Warhawk Football
His love for football extended beyond the field; he committed to coaching and mentoring young athletes, which speaks volumes about his passion for the sport.
Outside of athletics, Ryan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He cherished time spent hunting, fishing, and walking through the woods, often in the company of his beloved dog, Hudson.
Above all, Ryan loved spending time with his family and friends.
Following his tragic demise, his parents, family, and friends are mourning in private. During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences and pray for their strength.
Rest Easy, Ryan Ponick!
