Minnesota man loses brother, sister-in-law in Ukraine

Published 10:53 am Monday, July 21, 2014

WILLMAR — A Minnesota man said he and his family don’t want revenge against those responsible for taking the life of his oldest brother and sister-in-law on board Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

Drew Ryder, of Willmar, said 54-year-old Arjen Ryder and his 52-year-old wife, Yvonne, were killed when the jetliner was shot out of the sky over eastern Ukraine four days ago.

Ryder said his family is not looking for justice, but rather to help those responsible change their hearts. He said his brother and sister-in-law lived in Albany, on the southwest coast of the state of Western Australia. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.

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Arjen worked for the W.A. Department of Agriculture and Yvonne was a preschool teacher.

Drew Ryder said his family plans to fly to Australia for a memorial service next Monday.