Ryan Carl Knutsen, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

Ryan was a gift from God, a hardworking, very kind and caring sole with a tender heart.  He had a smile that light up a room.  Ryan never met a stranger and he found great joy from trying to make other people's lives better.  Ryan would give his shirt off his back and/or his shoes off his feet if he thought you needed them.  Ryan was mechanically inclined and could pretty much make anything broken with a motor run again.  He enjoyed working with his hands and using his God given talents.  In his mind he had many dreams he wanted to make come to fruition.  All the many blessings Ryan had in this life: his talents, his enthusiasm for life and most importantly his great love for his family and friends was completely sidelined by a wrong decision to drugs.  Ryan battled the demon of heroin addiction (a disease that encumbers our culture) for many years, leaving him going in and out of jails, prison, and rehabs but in the end his addiction ended his life way too soon.  Ryan had great hopes for overcoming his addiction and gaining back everything and everybody his addiction cost him, but the schemes of the enemy can out smart us plus the craving that comes with true addiction was more than Ryan could overcome as heroin defiles the brain and the person suffers with more and more inability to make sound decisions and follow directions to save himself.  We want the world to know heroin/fentanyl addiction needs to be at the forefront of our lives.  This is an epidemic with an upward trajectory making it the number one killer of adults between the ages of 18 to 45 in the United States.

If you are a parent/sibling/friend and you suspect someone is in trouble, it is probably much worse than you can imagine.  If you are an addict, please know there are people who love you deeply and will go through whatever it takes to get you help.  NO ONE should have to write an obituary like this one.

We are praying Ryan's death will bring awareness to this drug crisis.  We also believe Ryan's at peace, no more demons to battle.  He has a new mind, body, and soul.  Ryan, your memory will never be diminished.  We hope the angels know what they have now that you're in heaven and in Christ there are no good bye's so until we meet again, Ryan, we love you forever and always.

Ryan was preceded in death by: Halo A. Knutsen, his daughter. Frank and Patty Cope and Martha and Carl Knutsen, his loving grandparents. Cynthia and Scott Warthen, an aunt and uncle that loved him dearly.

Ryan is survived by: Gianna Louise and Alina Sophia his two daughters that he truly loved. Deana Gentile, who he shared life and love with. Ruth Knutsen, his mom, who never gave up hope on him beating addiction with endless support and prayers. Rick Knutsen, his dad, who prayed for Ryan to receive God's love and turn his live around. Rick and Robert Knutsen (Megan), siblings who wanted their brother back healthy and happy.  McKinley Knutsen, a niece.

At the family's request: Make it a priority to take your children to church.  Make sure they know Jesus.  Keep them involved with a youth group.  When life gets tough, they will then know to turn to God instead the evils the world has to offer such as drugs and alcohol to name a few.  You want to know your child has a place with God/Jesus in eternity.

Also, in lieu of flowers or gifts, monetary donations would be a huge blessing for his two daughters.  Send in care of Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Road, Bridgeport, Ohio 43912

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. According to the family's request there will be no visitation and private service will be held at the convivence of the family. Wilson Funeral Home Heslop Chapel 415 Walnut Street Martins Ferry assisting the family.

To leave the family a condolence please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes,com