Obituary of John T. Nolan

John Thomas Nolan, 80, lifelong resident of Iowa City, went to Glory June 11, 2016, surrounded by loved ones. John was born in Iowa City on March 1, 1936. He attended City High School where he was a member of the 1953 state championship football team. He earned his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and his JD from The University of Iowa School of Law. He served as a second and first lieutenant in the Corps of Combat Engineers in 1958-1959, helping plant trees in downtown Aspen. Nolan’s career as a trial lawyer spanned 42 years, representing both plaintiff and defendant. He was a member of the Iowa Trial Lawyers Academy and practiced cases in front of the Iowa Supreme Court and the US Court of Federal Claims. He was also elected President of the Johnson County Bar Association, and played an integral part in the successful preservation of historic Old Brick and the Cosgrove Institute. Dedicated memberships included the Elks of Iowa City (Board of Trustees), University of Iowa Quarterback Club, Little Hawk Alumni Association, Knights of Columbus, and St. Patrick’s Parish. John’s additional creative pursuits included the rabbit rollabout, STEPP, The Garden Seeder, and numerous children’s songs. He is survived by his wife Connie Nolan, son JR (Suzi) Nolan, daughters Molly (Brendan) Shea, Katie (Tim) Ferraris, Kerry (Mark) Veth, and Annie (Mark) Andres, eleven grandchildren, siblings Betty Nolan, Barbara (Frank)Wagner, Richard (Jean) Nolan, and Frances (Tim) Kensinger, and hundreds of loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents D.C. and Margaret Nolan, siblings Dan Nolan, Katherine Calacci, and Peggy Nolan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15, from 4-7 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City (4330 St. Patrick Drive). Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice, Wounded Warrior Project, or Saint Patrick’s Church in Iowa City.