Obituary of John Arthur Ryan

John Arthur "Art" Ryan, 89, of Newton, Iowa, passed away on September 13, 2024, surrounded by family at the Veteran’s Hospital in Des Moines, following complications from ALS. He was born on August 29, 1935, in Monroe County, Iowa, to Con A. Ryan and Anna Katheryn Coleman.

Art graduated from Melrose High School in 1953. After graduation, he went on to serve his country as a United States Marine from 1954 to 1956, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He then married Elaine Hubbard on December 28, 1957, in Casey, Iowa. Together, they built a life full of love and family. Art worked for the Seven-Up Bottling Company, later becoming a district manager for Mid Continent Bottlers in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1964, he and his brother Joe purchased Hamilton’s Upholstery in Newton, Iowa, where they proudly served the community until his retirement in 1994.

An active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton for 60 years, Art's faith was central to his life. He loved classic cars, enjoyed yard work, and delighted in attending his children’s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports and other events. Art had a tradition of placing toothbrushes in everyone’s stockings at Christmas, and he was known for offering his grandkids nutty bars, Fresca, and ham and cheese bologna sandwiches, and he always had a mint in his pocket for anyone who wanted one. He took pride in his Irish heritage and the simple joys of life.

Art is survived by his wife, Elaine Ryan; his sons Mike (Sandy) Ryan, and Pat (Joni) Ryan; his daughters Connie Gullett and Teresa Ryan; his brother David (Barb) Ryan; his twelve grandchildren Megan (Nick) Cross, Sarah (Derrick) Brelsford, Jessica (Tom) Theis, Ryan Gullett, Catherine (Paul) Caracci, Jason (Kaylee) Ryan, Cody (Majo) Gullett, Erik (Taylor) Ryan, Christopher (Kelly) Caracci, Jeremy (Abby) Caracci, Jonathan (Leah) Caracci, and Kelsey Ryan; his 10 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James Ryan and Joe Ryan, his sister MaryAnn Crall, and his son-in-law Larry Gullett.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 19^th, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. A livestream of the service will be held on the Pence-Reese Facebook page. The family will greet guests at the church for a time of visitation on Wednesday, September 18^th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery following services on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be written in Elaine’s name to be donated to the ALS foundation, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Paralyzed Veterans Of America and may be left at the Pence Reese Funeral Home.