Bernard J. Ryan, 89, of Defiance, passed away on  Monday, February 29, 2016 at Twin Rivers Care and Rehabilitation Center in Defiance.
  
He was born on September 16, 1926 to John and Frances (Moser) Ryan in Defiance. On September 12, 1953 he married Ann (Carman) Ryan, who preceded him in death on September 27, 2014.
  
Bernard served our county in the U.S.Army during W.W.II  from 1945 to 1948. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was an active communion lay distributor and lector. Bernard owned and operated Ryan Implement John Deere Sales in Jewell, then he worked at Liechty Implement in Archbold, and Archbold Equipment selling farm equipment for over 40 years. He was a member of Jewell American Legion, Defiance Elks, Knights of Columbus, and was an Adams Township Trustee. Bernard also loved to farm.
  
Bernard will be greatly missed by his family; daughters, Colleen Sewell of Toledo, Maureen Ryan of Northville, Michigan, Amy Ryan of Bradenton, Florida, Mollie (Eric) Elliot of West Mansfield, Ohio, 7 grandchildren; Ben, Aubrey, Emma & Casey, Joe, Grace, Briar, and Justin, brother, Bob (Pat) Ryan of Defiance, sisters, Mary (Jack) Schriner of Defiance, and Kathleen Homer of Toledo.
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ann Ryan, daughter Janet McCloud, and sister Joanne Davis.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Robert Kill officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to Defiance County Hospice or to St. Michael Catholic Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.