Ryan Waterkotte '98
Ryan Waterkotte is a proud graduate of the Class of 1998. During his time at St. Pius X from 1994 to 1998, he was involved in football, basketball, baseball, and band, all of which helped shape his high school experience. Ryan fondly recalls his high school years, where he forged lifelong friendships. He especially appreciated the close-knit, small-school atmosphere at St. Pius X.
After graduating, Ryan served in the United States Air Force from 1999 to 2003. In 2011, he began his career at Union Pacific Railroad as a Pipefitter Welder in the Executive Department of the Heritage Fleet. He earned his degree in Welding Technology in 2016. The Union Pacific Heritage Fleet specializes in preserving and operating historic passenger cars, which are used to transport executives, clients, presidents, senators, government officials, and more. The fleet includes two historic steam locomotives and nearly four dozen passenger cars.
Throughout his career, Ryan has had the opportunity to work on several notable projects, including the George Bush Funeral Train (2018), multiple Super Bowl excursion trips, and most recently, the Steam Locomotive Tour.
Ryan has been happily married to his wife, Lena, for 20 years. Together, they have three wonderful children: Ryland (17), Leland (12), and Charli (10). The family has lived in Missouri, Illinois, and Nebraska, but they have called Underwood, Iowa home for the past 10 years.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys watching his children play baseball, soccer, volleyball, and skiing/snowboarding. He has spent 12 years coaching his sons in baseball, helping them win multiple state championships. And while he’s proud of their accomplishments, he’s still holding out hope for that call from the St. Louis Cardinals!
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