Ryan Dean Kiesel

Ryan Kiesel’s passing on January 31, 2025, leaves behind a legacy as profound and multifaceted as the man himself. Ryan was a fifth generation Oklahoman whose life was defined by public service, advocacy, and a love for life’s rich tapestry of experiences. He embraced the title of “experienced weirdo,” urging those around him to celebrate their individuality as fiercely as he did. Whether traveling with family, guiding clients through high-stakes legal disputes, or simply exploring new records, he did it all with honesty, humor, and conviction.

Ryan was born in Oklahoma City on January 15, 1980, to Ron and Terri Kiesel. He was raised in Seminole and graduated from Seminole High School in 1998. From an early age, Ryan revealed a passion for justice and rebellion that would shape his professional and personal life into a lifelong dedication to community and public service.

Ryan attended undergrad at the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he found his passion for politics. He began working on various campaigns for local and state candidatesincluding State Representative Bill Nations, and for several years as policy advisor to State Senator Kelly Haney. During the 2000 presidential campaign, Ryan traveled the country as a staffer for Senator Bill Bradley. Ryan received his B.A. in Political Science in 2002, then entered law school later that year and received his Juris Doctorate in 2006.

In the fall of 2000, Ryan and Allison (Booth) met. They became fast friends and early conversations revolved around politics and OU football. Friends heard him recount how lucky he felt to have chosen a chair next to her in his Seminole Creek language class. Ryan and Allison were inseparable from the start and married in 2003 in Las Vegas during winter break of law school and pharmacy school. The love they had for each other was immense, and they shared over two decades together, lovingly filled with art, music, travel, and their wonderful kids.

While in his second year of law school at the age of 24, Ryan campaigned for and won election to represent Seminole as State Representative for House District 28, serving three terms, from 2004 to 2010. There he developed a reputation for being an effective leader, championing reproductive freedom and civil rights, and his favorite role of helping constituents with their everyday problems. 

Following his tenure in the legislature, Ryan joined the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, serving as Executive Director from 2011 to 2020. He was a national leader in the criminal justice reform movement, with direct work on many efforts related to drug use and sentencing reform, as well as pregnancy justice, an enduring testimony to his vision of compassion and equity. During his professional career, Kiesel also worked in private law practice, as an adjunct professor at the OU College of Law, and as a lobbyist and consultant for a variety of interests at the state capital.

Beyond the halls of power, Ryan was an avid music enthusiast. A devoted listener and evangelist of the Seattle-based public radio station, KEXP, he thrived on discovering new sounds and championing under-the-radar talent. From the energetic dance anthems of Arcade Fire, FM Belfast, and Hot Chip to the raw, rebellious sounds of The Dead Kennedys, Ryan’s playlists were as eclectic and inspiring as his outlook on life. His passion for music was a constant reminder of his belief that creativity and the arts are essential to a vibrant and thriving society.

Ryan’s unique perspective made him a sought-after commentator for both state and national media. For 13 years, his insightful commentary on “This Week in Oklahoma Politics”—a weekly show on KOSU, the local NPR affiliate—offered listeners an honest and incisive look at state and national affairs. This garnered him a large fan club. Ryan had those from every aspect of his life, people who came into his orbit and then became forever friends. 

 Despite his many professional accomplishments, Ryan’s heart was most fully expressed in his roles as husband, father, and friend. His family was the cornerstone of his life. His greatest joy was spending time exploring the world near and far with his incredible family. Ryan became a dad in 2011 with the birth of their son Oliver, then again three years later with their daughter Claire. Ryan loved every bit of being a dad and was fully devoted to his role. Knowing he might not be around to see them grow up was by far the hardest aspect of his nearly four-year cancer journey. Ryan often told friends two of his favorite nights of the past few years were taking Claire to a Taylor Swift concert and watching Oliver lead the dance circle at a Dan Deacon show. He also loved the little parts of being a dad, like walking them to school, playing video games together, or sharing his favorite 80s movies. These moments with his family, whether exploring waterfalls in Iceland, strolling the streets of New York City, climbing mountains in New Mexico, lounging on beaches in Florida, or just throwing a frisbee in front of the house, Ryan loved and lived fully and brought curiosity and joy to every day.

In his final days, Ryan imparted many important lessons to his kids, including to be kind to others and make fast friends. It’s an ethos that Ryan put into practice everywhere he went. He would strike up conversations and make genuine, lasting connections with people whether he was at a music festival, hiking a trail, orattending a political event. 

Ryan Kiesel is survived by his loving wife Allison, and his cherished children Oliver and Claire of Oklahoma City, his sister Paige Ledbetter, her husband Chris, and their son Luke of Seminole, as well as his mother Terri Kiesel of Seminole, his father Ron Kiesel and his wife Kristi of Shawnee, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and extended family. He leaves a towering legacy of progress, compassion, fearless advocacy, and an unforgettable playlist that continues to play on in the hearts of all who knew him. Ryan made everyone proud to be the weirdest and bravest version of themselves.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to a college education fund established for the benefit of Oliver and Claire. Donations can be made at any BancFirst branch or at https://tinyurl.com/KieselMemorialFund

Your support is deeply appreciated.