GET TO KNOW Mary Kate Simon and Ryan Wahlheim!
All about MK & Ryan!
Pets: none, but we’d like a dog in the future.
Schools/Colleges: We both went to University of Illinois for undergrad. MK went to Midwestern University in Downers Grove for her Physician Assistant degree.
Occupation(s): Ryan is a State Farm agent located in Darien, while MK is a Family Medicine Physician Assistant at Rush.
Tell us more about your business: Ryan runs his State Farm Insurance business out of Darien and offers coverage for Auto, Home, Business, and Life Insurance. Ryan is also happy to support our community as a sponsor of Greet La Grange magazine; as a local resident & Insurance expert, be sure to keep him in mind for your future needs.
How did you end up in La Grange?
First, Ryan moved to La Grange in 2021 to be closed to his office and conveniently his sister was also moving to the area at the time, so it worked out great! MK previously lived in Chicago and moved in with Ryan back in 2024. Our story started, like the classic Rom-Com movie, we met at MK's sister’s wedding. MK was the maid of honor and Ryan was the best man, next we’ll be staring in our own wedding this July!
How long have you lived here?
Ryan has been in La Grange for 5 years and MK moved in just 2 years ago. We’re glad to be starting our lives together here in La Grange!
Best place(s) to visit in town?
Here in La Grange we love Bottles & Bottega (Painting with a Twist), Milkstop, Kama Bistro (Best cocktails) and The Elm. If they’re headed a little farther down the road to Burr Ridge, we have to get Falco's Pizza.
What do you love most about La Grange?
We love the community feel. It feels like one large neighborhood where everyone is welcoming. Also, Ryan's family is nearby so we can get together regularly which makes it feel more like home.
Activities and hobbies:
We both love time together playing Trivia or volunteering, then when we go their own way Ryan enjoys golf & paddle ball, while Mary Kate likes volleyball and kickball.
Favorite vacation spot? What's on your travel bucket list?
Mary Kate enjoys Disney with her nephews and luckily Ryan will go anywhere in Florida. They also like New Buffalo, especially for Family Reunions. Our Bucket List is happening in the next year as we have a honeymoon coming up; we are going to Europe.
What teams do you and your family cheer for?
University of Illinois, White Sox, and the Jacksonville Jaguars
Favorite restaurants/meals?
We recently started Hello Fresh, it has been great learning how to cook different meals.
Favorite movies, TV shows, and music?
Brooklyn Nine Nine, Seinfeld, and Dancing with the Stars. Ryan admits to watching Southern Charm Country Music- we love going to concerts.
Any favorite family traditions?
New Buffalo for Mary Kate's Family Reunion. A Big Thanksgiving with Ryan's Family.