John Edward Lynch

John Edward Lynch died peacefully at home on May 15, 2024. John was 92 years old.

A lunch for friends and family will be held on Friday, May 31 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Social Hall at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, Iowa. https://www.stjohnsnorwalk.org. The family will be holding a private burial at the St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Cemetery.

John, the son of James and Susie Lynch, was born August 29,1931, in Lee Township in Madison County.  He attended school in the Martensdale area and graduated from Martensdale High School in 1949. John was united in marriage with Joan Eagan on September 9,1950, at the Church of Assumption in Churchville, Iowa. They shared their next 68 years together until Joan passed in August 2018. Together John and Joan raised 10 children on the family farm near St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement in Madison County.

John was a farmer his entire life, and truly loved it. He was a lifetime member of the St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Cumming. He was also a past member of the Madison - Warren Ecumenical Association, Martensdale- St Mary’s School Board and The Madison County Soil Conservation Board.

John and Joan enjoyed raising their ten children on the farm; there was never a dull moment.  John never met a stranger; he loved meeting new people and learning more about them. John was an active horseman, always had a dog, and enjoyed raccoon hunting with his good friend Bob Dunn for a lot of years. John would talk about playing high school baseball with his lifelong friend, John A. Connor, with whom he had many “pickups in the driveway” conversations. John enjoyed his visits with neighbor Richard Hanrahan, almost as much as the soft serve ice cream that Richard would often bring to John. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a deep appreciation for family and friends. He also enjoyed supporting many community, school, and agricultural activities.

John is survived by his ten children, John (Patrick) Lynch of Signal Hill, CA; Jim (Colleen) Lynch of Prole; Dan (Sheila) Lynch of Van Meter; Mary Lynch of Cumming; Janette (Gary) Purdy of Van Meter; Pat (Laura) Lynch of Cumming; Sue (Greg) Chenoweth of Indianola; Sheila (Dave) Stivers of West Des Moines; Dave Lynch of Norwalk; Pete (Chris) Lynch of West Des Moines; 20 grandchildren, Wyeth, Mary Kenna, Marshall, Jason, Erin, Laura, Alesia, Ryan, Joshua, Jeremy, Brian, Daniel, Joann, David, Mindy, Eric, Carli, Ben, Emily and Luke; 25 great grandchildren and one on the way; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement Church Altar and Rosary Society.

John was preceded in death by his parents; James and Susie Lynch, wife, Joan; brothers, Francis Lynch and Donald Lynch;  sisters-in-law, Dorothy Lynch, Marilyn Lynch;  great-granddaughter, Edith Ellen; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lynch.