William "Bill" Richard Ryan
October 27, 2012
William “Bill” Richard Ryan, 85, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes.
Richard was born August 1, 1927, in West Des Moines, to Ray and Goldie Ryan. He attended East High School until the 11th grade, when he left to serve his country. He served two years in the Navy and four years in the Army. While in the Navy, Richard served on the USS Dane (APA-238) until June of 1946, then on the USS Muir. In February of 1947, he joined the Army as a Private First Class with the 4th Constabulary serving in Linz, Austria. Upon his return to the states, he served in the Army Reserves, 396 Transportation Unit.
Richard married Virginia Green in April of 1949. He retired from Iowa Power after 32 years of service. He also enjoyed working at the Iowa State Fair for 40 years. Richard loved history, Civil War reenacting, collecting Civil War antiques, and was in the antique business for 20 years. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling. Richard had been to Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Hawaii, on several cruises, and in 2009 he participated in the Honor Flight. He was also able to enjoy the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Richard was a member of the First Christian Church in Panora.
Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia; children, Richard “Rick,” Wreta “Ret,” and Rodney “Rod”; sister, Mary; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Goldie; brothers, Ray and Harold; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Kennybrook Village.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don & Sharon Gilbert & Family
11/01/2012
Sorry to hear Ricard had passed. We missed the service since we don't get the newspaper. Your in our thoughts at this hard time.
Don,Sharon Dan , Melissa & Steve Eggley
Jerry Roberts
10/31/2012
Rick, Ret, and Rodney
So sorry to read about the loss of your father. I think we would agree that he led a full life. Thinking of you.
Tom Cooper
10/31/2012
Rodney and family , I am so sorry to hear of your Dads' passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Tom
Pat Meacham
10/31/2012
Virginia and family -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bill was a positive figure in so many lives and always with a smile. May God be with you.
Judi & Lynn from Maple Grove Church
10/31/2012
Rick! Our hearts go out to you and your family as we just heard about your father's passing and we are so sorry for all of your losses. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please let us know what if anything we can do.
Robert Ruby-Ryan
10/29/2012
I am a grandchild-in-law, but Bill never treated me that way. He was definitely a man of deep integrity, courage, optimism and selflessness. He accepted me into his family the very first time I meet them all and for that, I will be forever grateful. I (we) love you and will always miss you Grandfather! We know you are looking down upon us smiling!
Mitch Ryan
10/29/2012
I am one of his grandchildren. He was a man of honesty and integrity. He never judged any one and I can not remember seeing him ever get mad at anything. He will be missed by many. He is in a much better place now and is finally at peace. We Love You Grandpa Ryan.