Edward "Ed" Lee Heathman

Edward “Ed” Lee Heathman, age 79, of Ryan, Iowa, died Saturday, January 25, 2025. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Manchester, Iowa, where a funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Melody Williams officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Ryan American Legion 692. Cremation rites will take place after services and a private committal will be held at a later date at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Ryan.

Ed was born on September 19, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended St. Luke’s LPN College, graduating with the Class of 1984. Ed continued his education at Kirkwood Community College, where he earned his RN in 1993, becoming one of the first male nurses to graduate in Iowa. Ed served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, during two tours in Vietnam. He was formerly employed for several years with the City of Cedar Rapids, where he contributed to sewer maintenance, prior to working for FMC Link-Belt. Ed then dedicated 20 years of his career as a nurse at the VA Hospital in Iowa City. Ed went back to work for the City of Cedar Rapids, until his retirement. He was a proud member of the Ryan American Legion Post 692. 

On July 20, 1996, Ed married Barbara “Barb” Lynn Smock in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Over the past 20 years, Ed and Barb cherished traveling across the United States together. One of Ed’s greatest joys was reconnecting with fellow Marines he had served with. Ed will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ed is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years, Barb Heathman of Ryan; five children, Krista (John) Brady of Walker, Steven (Vanessa) Heathman of Cedar Rapids, Corey Smock of Manchester, Chad Petersen of Quasqueton, and Katie Petersen of Ryan; eight grandchildren, Mat Brady, Katelyn Brady, Mary Petersen, Keith Daniels, Tyler Daniels, Kayleigh Daniels, Kaylee Harford, and Clara Heathman; one great-grandchild, Milo Ianson; brother, Marvin (Susan) Hall of West Liberty; his faithful and loving companion, his dog, Daisy; and a host of many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and chosen friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oral and Ina Heathman; siblings, Frederick Heathman who passed away at infancy, Ila Wall, Elsie Boyles, John H. Heathman, Joyce Wall, Robert “Bob” Heathman, Donald “Butch” Heathman, Glenn Heathman, and Terry Heathman.