SPENCER — Ryan Thomas McGuire, 52, of Spencer, passed away Monday, June 15, 2026, at Spencer Hospital.
Born November 4, 1973, in Algona, Ryan was the son of John “Terry” T. and DeAnn (Douglas) McGuire. He grew up in the Algona area, graduated from Algona High School in 1993, and continued his education at Northwest Iowa Community College, where he earned a degree in diesel mechanics in 1995.
On August 17, 1996, Ryan married Melissa Kay Harms at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, humor and love.
Ryan was a proud father to Rylee and Sully, and he took seriously the job of passing along lessons that would last. He especially enjoyed teaching life skills through time spent working in the garage and yard. His family recalled one of his guiding lessons: he might not be able to teach everything, but he could teach the value of working hard.
That spirit shaped much of Ryan’s life. He took pride in doing things well, supporting his co-workers and showing up for the people around him. His work as a mechanic at New Tec was meaningful to him, and so was his time as a firefighter, where service, teamwork and grit mattered.
Ryan also knew how to enjoy life. He loved boating and snowmobiling with family and friends, and those who knew him will remember a man who could be found joking, laughing and bringing energy to the moment. His family described him as someone who worked hard, played hard, loved hard and fought hard.
Ryan is survived by his wife of 29 years, Melissa; his son, Rylee McGuire and wife Jodi of Ankeny; his mother- and father-in-law, Donald and Rosella Harms of Algona; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jeff and Stacie Harms, Chris Harms, Doug Harms, Alan and Shelly Harms, and Tanya McGuire; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Sullivan “Sully” McGuire; his parents; brothers John “Jack” McGuire and Douglas McGuire; and his sister, Molly Hiscocks.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Life Center, 520 North Garfield Street in Algona. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 520 North Garfield Street in Algona. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in Algona.
Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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