L. John Degnan

Leon John Degnan was born the son of John Joseph and Anna (Nigg) Degnan on July 10, 1914, in Guttenberg, the oldest of seven children. He passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at the Guttenberg Care Center with his loving wife and two daughters by his side. Jack graduated from St. Marys School, attended Loras College and received his JD from the University of Iowa in the spring of 1941. He served his country proudly during WWII in the United States Army, with the 129th Field Artillery, 32nd Infantry Div. in the South Pacific. On leave in Miami Beach, FA, Jack was united in marriage with Kathryn Eckart on July 26, 1945. He was recalled in 1950 as a Commanding Officer. He wrote a field manual and taught at Ft. Gordon, GA. He was discharged in 1954. Jack practiced law for many years until he was appointed District Court Judge for the State of Iowa in 1974. He retired in 1986. He was a lifetime member of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Jack was instrumental along with others in bringing the Golf Course, Hospital and Care Center to Guttenberg. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Rotary Club and was once the County Attorney for Clayton County. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren downhill skiing in the winter and to the beach in the summer. Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kay Degnan of Guttenberg; two daughters, Jane (Roger) Martin of Reston, VA. and Pamela Degnan of Ghent, NY; five grandchildren, John (Sarah) Martin, Kathryn (Brian) Martin-Albright, Susan (Buddy) Touchinsky, Jacquelyn Martin and Shannon Thomas Degnan; one great granddaughter, Lila Martin; five siblings, Irish, Edward and Donald Degnan, Mercedes Shappler and Marion Jacobs. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Annette Ellsworth.Memorials may be directed to St. Marys School.Visitation: Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. November 19, 2009 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, IowaFuneral Service: Friday 10:00 A.M. November 20, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Guttenberg, IowaInterment: Guttenberg City Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available