John Ayers
August 04, 2015
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Service Details
John Ayers was born on September 22, 1939, to Lowell and Kathryn (Peterson) Ayers. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa with his siblings, Jo, Dave, Jim and Joan. He died on August 4, 2015 at Edgewater Retirement Community.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This will be followed immediately by a Vigil Service at 5:00 pm. The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 11:0 0am.
John was a professor, a lawyer, a judge, an ordained Catholic deacon, an A-league player in tennis, racquetball and handball, a member of countless councils and boards, teller of lousy jokes and the ultimate enjoyer of the finer things in life.
John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jo, Dave and Jim; son, John, Jr.; and infant daughter, Susan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathie (Agey); a son, Michael K. Ayers; three granddaughters, Mackenzie, Isabella and Samantha. Survivors also include his sister, Joan, and her partner, Diane; sisters-in-law, Maggie, Bev, Sandy, Marilyn and Janelle; brother-in-law, Phil; and many relatives and friends.
In 1961 John designated his body to be donated for medical research to University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1200 Pleasant St., E-524, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 or Edgewater Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, 9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Melissa Peterson Backen
04/30/2016
Just learning of Johns death so sorry for your loss and will remember the childhood memories of the Ayers Peterson. Picnics
Gary and Kay Aitchison
09/01/2015
Cathie: We were so sorry to hear of the passing of John. We have fond memories of his many contribution to the Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Gary and Kay Aitchison
3312 Ross road
Ames, Iowa 50014
Russ and JoAnn Hardy
08/26/2015
Dear Cathie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. John's life touched the lives of so many others, including ours, with his deep faith and his compassion and his wonderful humor. He helped us to understand God's grace in our lives. We feel blessed to have known John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Russ and JoAnn Hardy
Dick and Kay Leet, Mason City
08/26/2015
Cathie and Ayers family, you have been in our thoughts and prayers since we learned of John's death. We have good memories of your time in Mason City.
mark & ellen wonderlin
08/20/2015
a true gentleman & scholar and great person that will be missed by all,
Gloria Billings
08/20/2015
Cathie, I am so sorry for your loss. I imagine everyone who knew John was much affected by him. His numerous gifts and insight were outstanding, and his passion for those who were less fortunate has seldom been matched. We're so sorry that his full life has come to an end. I wish you the comfort that comes from knowing what a great friend and counselor he was and the depth of his love for you.
Richard Johnson
08/19/2015
God bless, John. You done good. I'm so lucky to have known you.
We have lost a good one!
Nancy Richey
08/18/2015
Cathie, it was with deep sadness I read of your recent loss. Although I never knew or met John, I know you are grieving. Sharing your pain and loss and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Reaching out with deepest sympathy.
Tana Olson
08/18/2015
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked very closely with John with a few of our hospice patients in Mason City. He was so caring and brought so many gifts to our patients: compassion, humor, stories, ect. He also treated the hospice staff to huge boxes of See's candy. Thank you, John, for being a great friend to all.
Pam Erickson
08/18/2015
Cathie and family: I was so surprised and saddened to read of John's passing in the Mason City Globe Gazette today. He was such a dear, dear friend to me and encouraged me through many dark days following a cancer diagnosis. I first met John when we did a play together in Clear Lake, and it was immediately evident to me what a compassionate, gentle man he was. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent in John's company, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing him with the rest of us. His life made ours all the more rich. God speed, my Dear Friend.
Karen Dole
08/18/2015
Cathie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great role model in his work for social justice. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Karen Dole, Mason City
Dorie (Schmolke) Coughenour
08/18/2015
Cathie,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very special person, and will be sorely missed by all. I imagine he and Mom are together in Heaven having intense discussions. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
--Dorie
Linda Schultheis
08/13/2015
Dear Cathie,
Please except our most sincere sympathy and prayers for John and all your family.
Blessings,
Ken & Linda Schultheis
Erin Clancy
08/12/2015
Cathie, Mike, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you! I'm so sorry for your loss!!! Cathie and John were always there to welcome me into their home for a pop and a talk as I rode my bike around Clear Lake and for a hug and an ear when I needed either during some difficult times in my life! Although it's been some time, I appreciated it and loved John for his guidance and support! Couldn't wait for him to show up with his moped for a pipe-smelled ride just in time, when I needed him! Big bear hugs and all! ??
Mary Cosimo
08/12/2015
Dear Cathie, I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I so enjoyed knowing both of you when you lived at Park Trail and have a lot of good memories of John.