Betty Jo "BJ" Ryan

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Jo “BJ” Ryan, 74, a resident of Davenport, will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. The Mass will be livesteamed by visiting Sacred Heart Cathedral YouTube page Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.  Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport.  Additional visitation will be held from 9 until 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral.  Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kahl Home, or Alzheimer’s Association, Iowa Chapter. 

BJ died peacefully Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Kahl Home, Davenport surrounded by her family.

Betty Jo Pohlmann was born on April 5, 1949 in Davenport, a daughter of Art and Leota (Kautz) Pohlmann.  She graduated from Davenport West High School and attended NE Missouri State Teacher’s College, later earning her LPN from Scott Community College.  BJ was united in marriage to Michael W. Ryan on August 21, 1971 at Holy Family Catholic Church.  They have shared over 52 years of marriage.

BJ served the community as a nurse at local long term care facilities and doctor’s offices before retiring from a long career at Gastroenterology and Associates in 2011.

BJ cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on during their activities and events.  She loved a good party, and enjoyed the time spent with her Bunco girls.  BJ also enjoyed traveling with her family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Mike; children: Chad (Jenni) Ryan, all of Davenport, and Kate (Joe) Kardel, Alpharetta, Georgia; grandchildren: Tyler, Zack, and Mia Ryan, and Lauren, Meredith, and Natalie Kardel; a brother, Tom (Colleen) Pohlmann, Davenport; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

BJ was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Ann Baumgart.