Joseph Lawrence Ryan

JOSEPH LAWRENCE RYAN

DeWitt

Joseph Lawrence Ryan, 100, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Mercy Hallmar, Cedar Rapids.

Born Sept. 5, 1918, in Delmar to the late Thomas and Anna (Laughlin) Ryan, he graduated from St. Joseph School, DeWitt. Joe married Mary Katherine McDermott on June 2, 1942, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Petersville. They resided in the DeWitt area for many years. Joe farmed and worked at Wendel Oil Company, DeWitt, until retirement in 1990. He and Mary moved to Cedar Rapids in 2009. She preceded him in death Nov. 19, 2016.

Joe was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, and served as sexton of the church cemetery for many years. He was a longtime basketball scorekeeper at St. Joseph and Central Schools and recognized in the DeWitt Central Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. Joe enjoyed time with his family, traveling and playing bridge.

Surviving are children, Lourdes McGrath, Simi Valley, Calif., Regina (Chris) Williams, Hiawatha, Martin (Pat) Ryan, Waterloo, Teresa Lynch, Minneapolis, and Joseph A. Ryan, Redondo Beach, Calif.; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Pat Ryan, Iowa City, and Randa (Fred) Knee, West Gardiner, Maine; a sister-in-law, Margaret McDermott, DeWitt; and brother-in-law, James Kane, Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death were sons, Larry and Dennis Ryan; and siblings, Alberta Jansen, Mary Smith, Agnita Brown, Evelyn Peterson, Cleo Ryan and John Ryan.

Visitation will be at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, with the Rev. Robert McAleer officiating and burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School, Mercy Hospice and Mercy Hallmar.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.