John Thomas Ryan, son of Bernard Joseph and Alice Ruth née Bohn Ryan, was born October 8, 1941, in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was baptized on October 19, 1941, and later confirmed on October 24, 1949, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood, Missouri. John publicly confirmed his faith on February 16, 2019, at Peace Lutheran Church. After completing his elementary education, he graduated in 1959 from McBride Catholic High School and entered Cardinal Glennon College. He later transferred to St. Louis University, and in 1969, graduated with a degree in Business Administration.
Upon graduation John worked for Ringsby Truck Lines and also part-time as a recreational therapist at Jewish Hospital. When Ringsby Trucking closed, he received training to sell Metropolitan Life Insurance. Following that endeavor he became a Teamster and worked for Yellow Freight Lines where he remained until his retirement at age 58.
On December 17, 1966, he married Helene Schlake Whitman in Saint Louis, Missouri. John and Helene were blessed with almost 58 years of marriage. John is survived by his loving wife, Helene, his children, Kathleen (Mark) Peters, John (Janell) Ryan, and Cynthia Ryan, his grandchildren, Erin and Ryan Peters, Olivia Resch, Jack and Peyton Ryan, Aurelia, Joseph, Elbert and Henry Davenport, and Isaac and Zion White. John is further survived by his sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.
John loved the outdoors and enjoyed finding God’s glory in nature. He especially enjoyed his time hunting and fishing at the Black River in southern Missouri. In his interpersonal relationships, John loved making people laugh.
John experienced relatively good health until the advances of age began to weaken his condition. His physical disability and cognitive decline began appearing noticeably several years ago. In the course of the last few months, he became bedfast. On September 25, John entered Alternative Hospice with palliative care at home, and received the attention and loving care of his family until his passing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 10:30 p.m. He attained the age of 83 years and 15 days.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63129) on Sunday, November 3rd from 5-7pm. The Funeral Service will take place at Peace Lutheran Church (737 Barracksview Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63125) on Monday, November 4th at 10am. Interment to follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Aunt Helene
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle John. He had a great life and will be missed.
Love, Steve, Cindy, and the Hale Family
Aunt Helene, so sorry for your loss. I love Uncle John even though I haven’t seen him for too long. I know he is with the God he loves. My mom’s favorite brother ❤️
Aunt Helene, Kathy, John, and Cindy,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle John. Many fond memories spent with all of you.
Love
Kurt Schulz.
Dear Aunt Helene,
While saddened for your loss and the loss of our extended family we are happy that Uncle John has been released into glory! What an example of love and faith he has left for us all and that will be his legacy. I am warmed by the childhood memories of time spent with you both!
May God give you peace,
Brian & Dana and our Alexander family.
Helen, thank you for letting us know of John’s passing. I was a classmate of John’s at Cardinal Glennon Seminary and certainly remember his good nature and wit. May he rest in peace.
Phil Sullivan
San Diego California
Aunt Helene, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle John will be missed. He is home with our Lord and has no more pain