John L. Phelan, 74, of Colfax passed away on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines surrounded by his family. 

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax.  Burial will take place at Franklin Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church.  There will be a vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences may be left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The son of Martin and Mary (Rooney) Phelan, John was born on June 3, 1938, in Des Moines.  He graduated from Mingo High School and served in the United States Air Force.  On November 14, 1964, he was united in marriage to Janna Crise at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  John worked at Maytag for thirty years until his retirement in 1999.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Pony Express, Iowa State Trail Riders, the Colfax Saddle Club and the UAW Local 994.  He enjoyed riding horses and taking vacations with family.  John especially enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren and adored his great granddaughter and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his great grandson, Scottie, due November 13.