William Dean Ryan

William Dean Ryan, 81, of Dundee, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa. He was born on August 29, 1941, in Manchester, the son of Edward and Maxine (Gibbs) Ryan. Bill was raised and educated in the Dundee area graduating from Dundee High School in 1959. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard from 1959 to 1966.

In 1964, Bill was united in marriage to Andrea Dozark.  Three children were born to this union. They were later divorced. In 1970, Bill was united in marriage to Marlene (Burgin) Martin and two children were born to this union. Bill worked at John Deere in Waterloo, for 30 years retiring in 1990. He enjoyed farming and was a member and president of the Cattlemen’s Association and an active member of the Farm Bureau and Delaware County Extension Council.  Bill believed in being active in his community so his was also a member of the Dundee City Council and a 4-H leader.

Bill enjoyed coon hunting and was a member and president of the local and state Coon Club. He enjoyed raising coon dogs. Bill enjoyed playing softball and managing the Puffett and Harvester softball teams. He was president of the Softball League and later coached softball. Bill was an avid Cubs, Iowa Hawkeye, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan. Bill and Marlene enjoyed travelling. They travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, Texas and New Orleans.  Bill most enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Marlene Ryan; his five children, Dean (Tina) Ryan of Maretta, Georgia, Dawn (Dan) Bliss of Marion, Dana Tharp of Cedar Rapids; Joseph (Arin) Ryan of Chugiak, Alaska, and Jacqueline Hettinger of Edgewood; three step-children, Kim (James) Martin-Pettigrew of Marshalltown, Kandi (Jim) Roelfs of Ackley, and Kurt (Susan) Martin of Dundee; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marge Wirtz of Independence.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

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