1949–2026
An unsung hero: Engineering librarian for 35 years
As a librarian with an engineering degree, John Forys landed the engineering librarian position at the College of Engineering in 1976, where he remained for 35 years before retiring in 2011. He died on December 19, 2025, at the age of 76.
“John was a quiet, unsung hero whom we all benefited from,” said Alec Scranton, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, interim associate dean for undergraduate programs, and former dean. “He constantly strived to provide the maximum possible service, and he established a tradition for excellence that we have continued to build upon.”
Forys grew up in Steubenville, Ohio, and earned degrees from West Virginia University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and St. Ambrose University. He had a brief stint as a public librarian in West Virginia before starting work at the University of Iowa College of Engineering.
In the early days of the internet before Google, he made it easier for engineering students to find information through computer-based searching.
“John was always excited about learning and inquisitive about technology and history,” said Matt McLaughlin, chief technology officer. “He was way ahead of the game in getting our students access to new technology and information.”
In 2010, Forys was honored with the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence. Before his retirement, he trained his successor, Kari Kozak, the current director of the Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
“He was very student-focused, very collections-focused, and very hands-on in his work here,” said Kozak, who described the time he helped move the entire engineering library out the window to the University of Iowa Main Library to allow for renovations (see photo).
After retirement, he and his wife Marsha lived in Georgetown, Texas, for a few years before coming back in 2015 to settle at the Oaknoll retirement community in Iowa City.
Forys leaves behind his wife, Marsha, his sister, Patricia Moore, his brother-in-law Peter (Pat) Pitts, two nephews, two great nephews, and one great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents.
