Bernie Czartoski, 71 of Ney, Ohio passed away at home with his family at his side on Sunday morning April 20 ^th 2014.  He was born on August 20 ^th 1942 to Bernard and Anne (Korpita) Czartoski.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ruthann (Bittaker) and four Sons: Ted (Tara) of Sherwood, Tim (Stacia) of Fort Wayne, IN, Tom (Heather) of Tecumseh, MI and Todd (Julie) of Seattle, Washington.  Bernie has nine wonderful grandchildren: Tierney, Alyssa, Trent, Nicholas, Addison, Zach, Hazel, Finn, and Odin.

Bernie graduated from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture where he was also a flight instructor at Don Scott Field.  After graduation, he started the Vocational Agricultural program at Conotton Valley Schools in Sherrodsville, OH.  For 31 years he was employed by the USDA, Soil Conservation Service.  Initially, He was a District Conservationist for Defiance County and then served as the Area Conservationist for Northwest Ohio.  As Area Conservationist, he played a pivotal role in the flood reduction initiative of the Little Auglaize River.  Before retiring, he was the Maumee Valley Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator, where he was instrumental in the Nettle Lake Revitalization and Sewer Project, the Wetland Reservoir Sub-irrigation System, and many other conservation projects.  Since retirement he has served on the Board of the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District.  In addition to his career, Bernie built a family farm, was an avid wood worker, an enthusiastic Ohio State fan and especially enjoyed activities with his grandchildren.

Bernie was a member of St. Isidore Catholic parish and past council member.  He enjoyed helping 4-H members with their welding and wood working projects.   He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

A vigil service will be held Wednesday April 23 ^rd at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Ave, Defiance OH at 2:00 pm followed by visitation until 8:00pm.  A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10:00 am on Thursday April 24 ^th St. Isidore Catholic Church, State Route 15, Defiance Ohio.

Bernie would like to thank all of those who have helped his family with kindness & support during his extended illness. His favorite charities are: Defiance Co Fair Foundation grandstand project, c/o Defiance area foundation,  St Isidore Catholic Church, Hospice The Caring Way and the Defiance Area Foundation - Fairview Schools Fund.