John J. Ferland Sr., 84, of Defiance, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 28, 2013. He was born Feb. 17, of 1929 in St. Claire, MI. in Christ to Albert J. and Helen V. (Ball) Ferland who preceded him in death. On June 27, 1953 he married Donna Majeske, who survives. John is survived by seven children: Paul (Susan) Ferland, Mark (April) Ferland, Laura (Dennis) Hammersmith, John Ferland Jr., Philip (Tami) Ferland, Donna (Dennis) Polter and Edith (Mark) Schelling. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A sister Anne Westwick and a brother Francis (Theresa) Ferland. He was also preceded in death by brothers Albert J., David and Albert J. Jr. and a sister Judith Ferland. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict as a radar operator. Upon leaving the service, he began work in television and communications and received a bachelor's in electrical engineering. He then worked for A. Van Brackel & Sons until 1994. He attended two years of seminary school during high school at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Upon moving to Defiance in 1967 from Dearborn, MI, he continued as a choir director at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Defiance. He retired with a total of 50 years service to the churches and then joined the choir as a parishioner at St. John Catholic Church. He donated his time to city council, the food pantry and Defiance County Airport where he joined the board in 1984 and was president from 1986-2009. He was a 37 year member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). His passions included his wife and kids and flying. Most of all fulfilling his duty to God which he did to the best of his abilities. Visitation will be from 2-8 Monday, Sept. 30th at the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home,Defiance. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 am Tuesday, October 1st at St. John's Catholic Church on Jackson Ave. Officiating will be Father Todd Dominique. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery where VFW Post # 3360 will conduct honorary military graveside rites. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John's and St. Mary's Catholic church food pantry to help feed the hungry and Defiance county Humane Society for neglected animals. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.defiancefuneralhome.com.

Visitation

SEP 30. 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

OCT 1. 9:30 AM (EDT)

St. John Catholic 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH, 43512