Ryan Daniel Gangestad

Ryan Daniel Gangestad, 39, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Clarion, Iowa, passed away at his home on January 1, 2023, in Des Moines.

Memorial services for Ryan Gangestad will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2023 at The Red Shed Event Center, 908 2nd Street North West in Clarion.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at The Red Shed on Friday.

Ryan was born on May 26, 1983, in Clarion, Iowa.  He was the firstborn child of Daniel John & Patricia (Johnson) Gangestad.  Ryan attended school in Clarion and graduated from high school in 2001.  After graduation, Ryan briefly attended the University of Iowa before moving to Hollywood, California to complete schooling to become an audio recording engineer. Ryan worked in studios in California, Minneapolis, and Iowa. 

Ryan later decided to go to school at DMACC to become a welder.  He welded at Artistic Iron Works in Des Moines, creating several pieces that are installed in various locations in the Des Moines Area. 

Ryan loved music of all kinds & was a voracious reader.  He enjoyed playing his guitar, drawing, photography, collecting vinyl and instruments.  

Ryan had a fantastic sense of humor and he loved seeing people happy.  He was very thoughtful & compassionate towards others, especially those in need.  His two nieces brought him so much joy.  He truly beamed every time he saw them.  He was even putting together a space in his new house for his nieces: “Uncle Fance’s Art and Music Institute for Girls.” 

He enjoyed many adventures with his brothers, cousins, and life-long friends.  He enjoyed concerts, the Indy 500, the state fair, and riding his motorcycle, but mostly, he delighted in spending time with family, friends, and his dear dog, Lou. 

Ryan is survived by his mother, Patty Gangestad, brothers Grant (Sydney) Gangestad; Logan (Chloe) Gangestad; sister Kayla (fiancé Adam Stuart) Gangestad; nieces Nora Gangestad, Kylie Stuart, & step nephews and niece Brayden, Graysen & Kaizley Stuart. 

Ryan was preceded in death by his Father, Dan Gangestad; his newborn baby brother, Joshua Gangestad; paternal grandparents John & Ella Gangestad; maternal grandparents Jimmie & Colleen Johnson; Aunt Terry (Johnson) Simmons; Uncle David Hugh Johnson; and cousin Alec Lawson. 

In the days preceding his death, despite his own troubles with paranoid schizophrenia and mental health issues, Ryan voiced his desire to help those who may be able to learn from his battle.  In Ryan’s honor, condolences may be made to be donated at the discretion of the family to the National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI) and other causes that Ryan was passionate about.  Above all, Ryan would want you all to love each other without condition, as Ryan loved those close to him. 

www.ewingfh.com

Ewing Funeral Home

1801 Central Avenue East

Clarion, Iowa, 50525

515-532-2233