Ambrose John Hellmann

Ambrose John Hellmann, 90, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at his home after a seven-year battle with bone cancer. He was born on May 7, 1930, in Holy Cross, the son of Anthony and Ottillia (Loecke) Hellmann. Ambrose was raised and educated in the area and attended Holy Cross Catholic Schools. He farmed with his father for several years, before serving honorably from 1952 to 1954 in the United States Army during the Korean War.

On February 16, 1954, Ambrose was united in marriage to Eileen Schwers at St. Boniface Church in New Vienna by Reverend Joseph Richard. Ambrose had just returned from two years in the armed service and Eileen had already rented a farm west of Ryan. In 1957 the couple purchased the farm.  Seven children were born to this union. He farmed God’s land with pride, raising hogs, milking cows, and cherishing Iowa’s sunsets after a long day’s work. Ambrose and Eileen remained on the farm until retiring in 1993 to their home in Ryan.

Ambrose was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Ryan American Legion. He truly appreciated having the opportunity to attend an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters for over 50 years. Ambrose and Eileen were members of the Delaware County Pork Producers and were involved with the grilling team for over 20 years. Ambrose was also a member of the Ryan Lions Club.

Ambrose and Eileen enjoyed being members of many card groups. They also enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s school and sporting activities. Ambrose especially loved spending time on the farm and working with his grandson Josh. He loved his family and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Eileen Hellmann of Ryan; his seven children, Marilyn Benge of Shueyville, Sharon (John) Fuhrman of Puyallup, Washington, Ruth (Jerry) Elsbury of Strawberry Point, Janet Krogmann of Manchester , Arlene (Ron) Wulfekuhle of Ryan, Shirley (Dale) Manternach of Manchester, and Bob Hellmann of Ryan ; 22 grandchildren, Matt, Katie, Laura, Amy, Kevin, Tim, Sara, Ryan, Jeff, Kari, Lisa, Justin, Jeni, Stacy, Kyla, Mitch, Brett, Tyler, Jenna, Josh, Hailey, and Erin; 26 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Cletus (Correne) Hellmann of Ryan and Charles (Mary) Hellmann of Holy Cross; three sisters, Berniece Thole of Dyersville, Dolores (Dave) Putz of Greeley, and Eileen (Ed) Prier of Dyersville; several brothers-and-sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Herman and Marie (Foxen) Schwers; one son-in-law, Larry Benge, Jr.; one sister, Germaine Langel; and three brothers-in-law, John Langel, Charles Thole, and Ralph Recker.

The family would like to thank Above and Beyond Hospice for their special care of Ambrose.

Due to the COVID-19 concerns, masks are strongly recommended.

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