Ryan “Fritz” Scott Rae, 38, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on November 24, 1987, in Landstuhl, Germany, Ryan lived a life defined by service, loyalty, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. He served in the United States Air Force for more than 18 years as an Air Transportation Specialist. His military career took him around the world, serving in Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Niger, Syria, Turkey, the Philippines, Guam, Iceland, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, the Marshall Islands, and Uzbekistan. He took immense pride in serving his country and formed lifelong friendships wherever he was stationed.
Ryan’s unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and professionalism earned him numerous military honors and decorations, including the Air and Space Achievement Medal, five Air and Space Commendation Medals with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Expert Marksman Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
While Ryan was proud of his military service, those who knew him best will remember the man behind the uniform.
Ryan had a larger-than-life sense of humor and a gift for making people feel seen. He loved music and sang without hesitation—whether it was Katy Perry, Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl, or Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. During his time at Kadena Air Base, he discovered a love for karaoke and was never afraid to grab a microphone and join in.
Before joining the military, Ryan dreamed of becoming a pastry chef and attending Johnson & Wales University. Though life took him down a different path, his love of food remained. In recent years, he became passionate about smoking meats, spending countless hours perfecting brisket and sharing meals with family and friends. He followed cooking competitions and food shows, always eager to explore new culinary experiences.
Ryan was an accomplished softball pitcher and enjoyed weightlifting, working out with friends and fellow service members wherever he was assigned. He thrived on bowling, football (Go Buckeyes & Broncos!), hockey, baseball, golf, cars, travel, and adventure, always looking forward to the next destination. Australia remained the one place on his bucket list he never had the opportunity to visit.
Above all else, Ryan’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He loved deeply, laughed often, and created lasting memories through life’s simplest moments—from marathon road trips fueled by energy drinks and sweets to everyday moments spent with the people he loved most.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Lauren Rae; their three sons, Aiden Jensen (18), Keagan Jensen (17), and Jaxon Rae (4); and their two-month-old granddaughter, Harper Jensen, all of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He is also survived by his parents, Larry and April Rae of Merritt Island, Florida; his siblings, Rayanna Rae of Merritt Island, Florida, Stephanie (Jason) Simpkins of Traverse City, Michigan, and Brett Rae of Navarre, Florida; his nieces, Hayden Rae and Wylee Wells; his nephew, Greyson Simpkins; his grandmother, Marlene Harrison of Cocoa, Florida; his sister-in-law, Chelsa (Nate) Wells; his mother-in-law, Lisa Van Scyoc; his father-in-law, Doug Van Scyoc; and a beautiful circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and fellow service members who became family.
Funeral services celebrating Ryan’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80910. A procession and interment with full military honors will follow at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.
Ryan’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the medical teams, military leadership, caregivers, friends, fellow Airmen, and countless supporters who walked beside them throughout his illness. The love, kindness, and generosity shown during this difficult journey will never be forgotten.
Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made will endure through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, the lessons he taught, the friendships he forged, and the love he leaves behind.
May we honor Ryan by loving fiercely, singing without embarrassment, helping others whenever we can, and refusing to take a single day for granted.
Ryan will be always remembered, forever loved.