William L. Ryan

William L. "Bill" Ryan, age 94, of Council Bluffs, passed away October 19, 2017 at Midlands Living Center. Bill was born on October 11, 1923, in Minden, Iowa, to the late Thomas John and Grace Delaney (Leytham) Ryan. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick's Church in Neola, Iowa and graduated with the Class of 1942 from St. Joseph's High School in Neola. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps (330th Bomb Crew), in September of 1942. Serving as a B-29 radio operator, he flew on 25 missions out of Guam and was awarded numerous air medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945, and attended Creighton University and Iowa State. Bill married Marilyn Elaine Willard on October 4, 1950. They were blessed with six daughters; Laura, Mary, Jane, Nancy, Anne and Carol. Deeply devoted to his family, he took a passionate interest in their happiness and well-being. Bill retired in 1981 after 24 years with the Home Savings Bank in Persia, Iowa. During his tenure, he held several positions with Group 5 of the Iowa Bankers Association. He and Marilyn lived in Bartow, Florida for 10 years prior to returning to Council Bluffs in 1991. B...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Bishop Drumm General Assembly; Persia, Iowa American Legion Post #314; and the Pottawattamie County Last Man Club (WWII). In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom and Ray Ryan; and sister, Betty Schnitker. Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn E. Ryan of Council Bluffs; daughters and spouses, Laura and Reid Hemmingsen of Neola, Mary and Ron King of Persia, Jane and Dr. Jim Whalen of Council Bluffs, Nancy and Mike Lauver of Grundy Center, Iowa, Anne and Roger Lindvall of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Carol and Larry Stein of Portsmouth, Iowa; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. "ve con Dios". To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.cutleroneill.com/obituaries/William-L-Bill-Ryan?obId=2643269#/obituaryInfo