Ralph Bryan

Ralph Dean Bryan, the most loving husband, dad, and grandpa-to-be, passed away May 1, 2026 at his home in Badger at the age of 77. He fought an almost 2-year battle with cancer, displaying the upmost courage and grace throughout his journey.

Ralph, a beloved son of W.J. "Jack" and Amy (Nelson) Bryan, was born on January 30, 1949 in Fort Dodge. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1968, and would go on to a technical training school in Omaha, Nebraska. After training, Ralph worked in construction with his dad, the owner of Bryan Construction. He would then make his living as a Forklift Operator in the receiving department of Frigidaire in Webster City, later to became Electrolux, for 35 years.

In 1989, Ralph married the love of his life, Donna (Fibiker) of Callender. They started their life in Badger, welcomed a daughter (Angela) in 1991, and would come to celebrate 37 wonderful years together just 2 days before his passing.

Ralph was a true family-man who led a life full of love, laughter, joy, and fun. He, his wife, and daughter loved the life they made together. They enjoyed annual trips to Colorado, evenings playing golf and tennis, weekends tailgating at Iowa State games, summers grilling and riding bikes, simple nights doing homework or working on a 4-H project, and every Friday was family night, which would involve a trip into town for dinner, often at the Otho Pub. As a whole family, the Bryan side would enjoy annual trips to Dubuque, Iowa and Branson, Missouri, from which many stories could be told. Ralph was proud of his garden and his home and could often be found outside, working around the house, or in his wood shop. Other than his time with family, his life was really defined by his woodworking. He had an attention to detail and craftsmanship that will live on in everything he touched. He was a master handyman, and when someone needed help, he was there. Outside of his home, he was a golf buddy to many dear friends, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and a valet and volunteer with UnityPoint Health. One of his proudest moments was being recognized for 1000 hours of service. He truly was one-of-a-kind and will be so deeply missed.

Ralph leaves behind his wife Donna, daughter Dr. Angela (Dr. Kayode) Garraway of Snohomish, Washington, a soon-to-be grandson, sisters Etta Mae Blair of Fort Dodge, Lorraine Wingerson of Footville, Wisconsin, sister-in-laws Linda (John) Redden of Lakewood, Colorado and Kimberly (Dennis) Holtz of Saint Augustine, Florida, brother-in-law Kevin Fibiker of Moorland, as well as 14 nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving parents W.J. "Jack" and Amy Bryan, father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Mary Lou Fibiker, sisters Viola (Chuck) Grall and Dorris (Wilbur) Auten, brothers Melvin (Hazel) and Francis Bryan, brother-in-laws Kenny Blair and Bill Wingerson, and 3 nieces and nephews.

To honor and celebrate Ralph's life, a funeral will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30 am. The evening prior, May 6, 2026, a visitation will be held at Laufersweiler Funeral Home in Fort Dodge from 4 pm to 7 pm. Burial will follow the funeral at Fulton Township Cemetery by Moorland. Memorials may be left to family discretion.

We love you so much, Ralph. Until we meet again...