John Ferin, 71, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 6,1954, in Des Moines, John spent his early years in Des Moines and later moved with his family to Mason City. He graduated in 1972 from Newman Catholic High School, where he met and later married his wife of 50 years, Patricia (Pat) Schmitt. He then attended Iowa State University, where he achieved a degree in Computer Science.
John built a long and meaningful career at Pioneer Hi-Bred, where he worked for 31 years and formed many lifelong friendships. He later worked at Life Care Services before retiring in 2015.
John was a devoted father, son, husband, grandfather, and friend whose kindness, steady nature, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. He enjoyed spending lots of quality time with his dad and helped him whenever needed.
Outside of work, nothing made him happier than time spent watching and coaching Brian, Joe, and Lisa in whatever sport or activity they were involved in at the time. That continued on as the grandkids started to get involved in activities as well. He was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and attended many basketball games. He spent many joyful days at Sun Valley Lake with friends and family, creating memories that will live on in the stories shared for years to come. Some of his most cherished memories were of his time spent at the lake with his seven grandkids. Whether it be fishing, boating, swimming, board games, or making s'mores, the one constant was that all the kids wanted Grandpa by their side.
He enjoyed golf, traveling, fishing, poker (with several of his Pioneer friends), Euchre with his beloved card club friends of 40 years, getting together with his Wine and Dine group, and his Pioneer Lunch Bunch group. He was also an avid reader. He was an accomplished pianist and passed that love of music on to his children.
A man of service, John volunteered his time in IT support at Meals from the Heartland and eventually joined their board, where he proudly served for the past four years.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa (Leonetti) Ferin, and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo and Ed Sirfus.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, his children, Brian (Nicole), Joe (Caitlyn), and Lisa; his father, Ernie; his brothers, Rob (Kay) and Mike (Rachel); his grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Miles, Andrew, Adrienne, Max, and Mike; his brother and sister in-laws, Jeff and Bev Van Blair, Mick and Nancy Milligan, Joyce Bieth, Karen Hamilton, Dan and Diane Schmitt, Dale Schmitt, and Doug and Julie Sheriff. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Buroker and his staff at Mission Blood and Cancer, as well as Dr. Silverman and the transplant team at University of Iowa Cancer Clinic, for their exceptional care and compassion. The family would also like to thank family and friends who offered support and sent prayers and well wishes during John's cancer journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals from the Heartland, an organization dear to John’s heart.
A Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a rosary to follow at 7:00pm, on Monday, Dec. 1, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, IA. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 10:00 am, also at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny.
