Patrick Paul Ryan

Patrick (Pat) P. Ryan died peacefully on November 6, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on March 17, 1971 to Margaret and Thomas Ryan. They thought they were going to name him Steve, but when he was born on Saint Patrick’s day, Pat is was.

Pat graduated from Woodbury Central High School, Class of 1989. He was known to be a friend to all during those years, oftentimes pulling people into the circle and making room for others. He enjoyed sports and played football and baseball. He was most known for being a scrappy wrestler. He credits wrestling for shaping him into a man with a strong work ethic, lots of grit, perseverance, and the ability to face difficult challenges head-on

Following high school, Pat went to the University of Iowa where he graduated with an actuarial science degree. He moved to Des Moines in 1994 to begin his career. He spent the majority of his career at Wellmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield where he worked as an actuarial analyst. He felt a strong loyalty to the company and worked his way to becoming Chief Actuary in 2014. He remained at Wellmark for 22 years until the spring of 2021 when he became an actuarial consultant at Milliman. Pat’s career as an actuary was challenging yet fulfilling. He felt empowered to improve the affordability of healthcare across the Midwest. It was rewarding to know that the product of his work made an impact on other people’s lives.

Pat married his wife Laura on August 24, 1996. Together, they worked hard to build a family of five. Their children; Jake, Payton, and Paige consistently heard over their 20 plus years that the Ryan family puts God first, family second, and education third. Being a father was Pat’s most valued accomplishment. He spent his life modeling how to be a compassionate and selfless person who cares about friends and his community. Pat served on many boards and coached several teams for his children. There is not enough room in this obituary to list all of his accomplishments and he would not want us to. Pat was humble and for that reason we won’t.

Throughout Pat’s battle with cancer, he learned that sometimes things happen to us so that others grow. Pat knew that God used him to serve his purpose. All of his children are going into the healthcare profession. He found solace in knowing that his health journey impacted his kids and they will be better, more compassionate health care providers as a result. 

Pat was predeceased by both of his grandparents; Edward and Irene Ryan and Desmond and Teresa Korth. Surviving in addition to his parents; Thomas and Margaret Ryan; are his wife, Laura; son, Jake; daughters Payton and Paige; brothers Michael and his wife, Vicki, Daniel and his wife LaRessa; and several nieces and nephews; Zach, Nathan, Morgan, McKenna, London, Zoey, and Remy.

A service of remembrance will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, November 11, 2024 at Saint Mary’s of Nazareth Catholic Church, 4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines with a luncheon immediately following. The interment will take place following the luncheon at Pine Hill Cemetery, 470 NW 54th Ave, Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the American Cancer Society - University of Iowa Chapter Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com