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 Jesse 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

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