Obituaries

John Thomas Conway

September 29, 1949 - January 19, 2023

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Obituary For John Thomas Conway

DeForest – John T. Conway, 73 of DeForest, Wisconsin lost his battle with cancer on January 19, 2023 and passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family. John was born on September 29, 1949 to Peter and Veronica (Ferring) Conway in Waukon, Iowa. John graduated in 1967 from St. George High School in Lansing Iowa. He began his working career at age 14 and became an (Iowa State awarded) Grit Sunday Newspaper salesman. John fell in love with trucking early on when semis delivered fertilizer to the family farm. He pursued his dream of being a truck driver by moving trucks in and out of wash bays at Waukon Creamery. He then enlisted in the US Navy in May of 1969. He was most proud of His Service in the Navy. John was a member of the Deforest American Legion Post 348 for over 25 years. Upon completion of his military service, he began his longtime career as a semi driver with Thompson Grain Service of Spring Grove Minnesota. John has since purchased multiple new semi tractors and trailers and traveled all over the US. John retired from the Trucking Industry in 2021 after logging over 2,000,000 miles (yes way over two million!) John was passionate about helping others. He gifted baby blankets made by his mother and sister Donna, to hundreds that he encountered during his travels, the last being to his (expecting) nurse at the V.A. Hospital during his recent hospitalization. He also hosted B.B.Q’s for the homeless during layovers. John carried a grill and cooler in the truck, (They called him St. John). John was also involved in Trucker Buddy’s International, where he left a lasting impression on young children by visiting various schools with his truck and sharing his experiences as a nationwide truck owner- operator. John also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, and participated in many charitable runs. He also enjoyed watching Basketball and Football. John was also very active (and opinionated) in Political actions in the Wisconsin area. John’s kind spirit and zest for life will always be an inspiration to all that he has touched in his wonderful and full life, Thanks John with Love from all of us. John is survived by his siblings, Theresa Lyons, Donna (Dick) Saddler, Mary (Roger) Quandahl, Kathy (Pat) Connelly, Leo (Kathy) Conway, Pete (Diane) Conway, and Kenny (Marsha) Conway; Brother-in-law, Richard (Ruth) Welch; 37 Nieces and Nephews; and many Great and Great-Great Nieces and Nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Veronica Conway; sister, Ann Welch; brother-In-law, Ralph Lyons; niece, Joan Lyons; nephew, Mike Mooney; and Great Niece, Katelyn Lyons and great nephews Justin Kincade, Brody and twins Alex and Ashton Connelly. A visitation will be held for John from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, January 27, 2023, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Rd, Deforest. Another visitation will be held from 9am until 11:30am on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 648 Main St, Lansing, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church at 11:30am on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the DeForest American Legion Post 348. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit wwwryanfuneralservice.com. The family would like to thank the staffs at the V.A Hospital and Promedica/Heartland Hospice for the care they provided to John. John would like to thank Jessie and Jean for helping him on his last trip on earth, (Destination Heaven). Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Windsor/DeForest Chapel 6924 Lake Rd 608-846-4250

Services

27 Jan

Funeral Service

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - DeForest / Windsor 6924 Lake Road DeForest, WI 53532 Get Directions »
28 Jan

Visitation

09:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 648 Main St Lansing, IA 52151 Get Directions »
28 Jan

Mass of Christian Burial

11:30 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 648 Main St Lansing, IA 52151 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 24, 2023

    It was a honor to know John. He hauled our freight for years and he never missed a delivery. He was a backer in the Kutter Harley Davidson in Janesville WI where all the money went to the MDA. Rest in peace John.

  • January 23, 2023

    My heart is heavy to learn of John's passing. Although it was obvious that high school wasn't his favorite place to be, he always had a smile on his face, and he was a sweet guy to know. He was a dedicated class reunion follower and very much the life of the party. He will be sadly missed by our class of 1967. What a beautiful tribute to John in his obit. I did not know of all his generous efforts for others, as he was too humble to ever blow his own horn. Not surprising that he shared his good fortune. He was one of a kind, and I really regret that I didn't get a chance to say good-bye. So I guess I'll just say 10-4 big buddy. Love and prayers to all the family, Rita Mauss Sanchez

  • January 23, 2023

    I had the honor of working with john. He was very kind and generous. I will forever cherish our friendship. RIP my friend

  • January 23, 2023

    So grateful to have met John many, many years ago and looked forward to our visits. John will be remembered as one the the kindest!!! His soul radiated love, respect and kindness for all those that he knew. He shared a lot of knowledge and words of wisdom with me. He also brought to me baby blankets for our grandchildren..... he knew we were farmers so it was either John Deere or International blanket for the babies. They were beautiful! Will miss you John, you have earned your wings ..... Rest in Peace my friend😇🙏😘

  • January 22, 2023

    RIP John T. Conway I really didn't know him, but he seemed like a Very Caring Man that would do anything for anyone. Anchors Away

  • January 22, 2023

    John Con was one of a kind! 20 years ago our daughter Carissa was so excited to have Great Uncle John Con be her 2nd grade "Trucker Buddy". She was so proud when he came to her school to answer any questions and show his truck to all her and all her classmates. I pulled the picture from that day yesterday and when her husband asked why are you way in the back, I can hardly see you, her instant reply was, "So I could be right next to John Con!" My kids would laugh at him when he would visit and be on our deck and talk to every person that walked by on the bike path in our backyard. There wasn't anyone John couldn't carry on a conversation with. What a generous, kind, great guy! You will be missed greatly Uncle John Con!

  • January 22, 2023

    Uncle John was the Best! So many great memories, going all the way back to his visits at our Waukon home when I was a young child (all my neighborhood friend would come over to admire his beautiful Big Rig), more recent visits to my IL homes or a quick visits at one of the truck stops near my home. He was a selfless person always wanting to give to everyone that surrounded him, treating strangers no different then long time friends and family. Truly a one of kind man that left a lasting memory with everyone that met him. You will be missed by all, RIP Uncle John Mark Quandahl

  • January 22, 2023

    John was a great man and friend may he rest in peace condolences to the family Larry asche and family

  • January 22, 2023

    I worked with John for several years. I remember him as always helpful and willing to share his knowledge with others. Rest in peace my friend.

  • January 22, 2023

    John, you will be missed.. many thoughts of us bbqing in the Tops parking lot.

  • January 21, 2023

    For years John was a special friend at the Mousehouse. He regularly brought gift for the employees and our children. John had his own special discount at the store, often buying cheese to give to dispatchers and those he knew along his travels around the country. We will remember "Big John" forever. With deepest sympathy, Tony and Vicki Sobczak Mousehouse Cheesehaus Windsor

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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