Ronald L. Bryan

Ronald Lee “Ronnie” Bryan, 91, passed away on January 29, 2022. Ronnie was born to Chester Chase and Blanche (Byer) Bryan on October 29, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He joined two brothers and two sisters.  He graduated from Pleasant Mills High School. Ronnie married Grace Winans on July 2, 1949.

His childhood on the farm created a love of farming and the great outdoors in Ronnie.  He lived his entire life in Blue Creek Township where he farmed a variety of acreages, including 70 acres of the original Bryan Farm homesteaded in 1840.  He started farming at a young age by bringing water to the thrashers with his cousin Ned Byer.  In partnership with Grace, they raised crops, livestock and five children. He was a lifelong member of Salem Community Church serving as treasurer for over 25 years. He retired from International Harvester in 1981 after 30 years of service.  He was a proud member of the UAW.  Ronnie was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Homer Pierson American Legion Post #207 where he served as Chaplain for several years.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 72 years, Grace; children, Jane Bryan of  Monroe, Indiana, Becky (Louis) Schwartzkopf of Mankato, Minnesota, Rodney (Laurie) Bryan of Frankfort, Indiana, Pamela (Dirk) Feenstra of Mankato, Minnesota, and Timothy (Sharon) Bryan of Huntington, Indiana; grandchildren, Jared (Amanda) Bryan of Berne, Indiana, Heath (Danielle) Bryan of Berne, Indiana, Emily (Jonathan) Buns of Coralville, Iowa, Eric (Jessica) Bryan of Decatur, Indiana, and Dorothy (Jacob) Winters of New Hope, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Parker (Autumn) Bryan of  Geneva, Indiana,  Lanie Bryan, Kaylynn Bryan, Samantha Bryan, and Brenlee Bryan, all of Berne, Indiana, Liara Buns of Coralville, Iowa, and Chase Bryan of Decatur, Indiana; great-great-grandson, Jackson Bryan of Geneva , Indiana; brother-in-law, Jerry Winans of  Springfield, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Marie Rauch of Monroe, Indiana and Rita Garner of Decatur, Indiana; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceeded in death by his parents and his siblings and their spouses,  Doyt & Vivian Bryan, Dick & Sally Bryan, Barbara & Kenneth Gaunt, and Janet & Arnold Roughia.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2021 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur.  Pastor Jim Compton will officiate.  Private burial will be held at Tricker Cemetery in Monroe, Indiana.

Visitation will also be held from 5to7 pm on Friday, February 4, 2022 at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral. The family requests that those attending the visitation and funeral service wear masks.

Preferred memorials are to Premier Hospice and Palliative Care in Fort Wayne, Indiana; CTN Community Network Transport in Fort Wayne, Indiana or the donor’s choice.