Claire Ryan

Claire William Ryan was born August 24, 1927 in Des Moines. He passed away October 27, 2006 at the Taylor Hospice House at the age of 79 yrs.
He graduated from Mingo High School in 1945. Claire served in the military from 1951 – 1953 in the 132nd Medical Group of the Iowa Air National Guard stationed at Dow Air Force Base, Bangor, Maine, where he worked in the post office, drove for a colonel, and drove an ambulance.
Claire married Madeline Bedard November 27, 1952 in Winslow, Maine. They settled in Mitchellville, Iowa and had twins, Michael (Maureen) Ryan of of Mitchellville and Monica (Kirk) Brill of Des Moines. Claire had three grandchildren Katie, Chandler and Michalea Ryan.
Claire farmed all of his life, the majority near Mitchellville. Claire was on the leading edge of no till farming in this area being the first to use a Buffalo planter and a picker sheller combine. Claire served on the Mitchellville Co-op Board in the mid to late 70’s and served as president several years during that time. He worked part time at Allis Chalmers in Bondurant for many years.
Claire became interested in graphoanalysis and took correspondence courses. He was the top student in his class. Claire enjoyed photography, especially winter frost photos. He entered and won several contests. His favorite music was the Big Bands. He was very accurate in predicting the weather including the first snow of the season. Claire liked shooting pool with his friends, and in his later years, he looked forward to seeing all his “Hy Vee coffee friends” every day.
Preceding him were his wife, Madeline and his parents, William James Ryan and Elizabeth Winifred Ryan.
Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. at Saint John/Paul Catholic Church in Altoona on Monday with a vigil service to follow. The funeral mass will be 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday with a lunch following in the church after the graveside service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Taylor Hospice House or the Mercy Hospice Johnston in his name.

Print