Ronald Bryan

Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Bryan, 91, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022. He was born October 29, 1930, in Fort Wayne to Chester Chase and Blanche (Byer) Bryan. He joined two brothers and two sisters. He was married July 2, 1949, to Grace Winans.
He graduated from Pleasant Mills High School. His childhood on the farm created a love of farming and the great outdoors in him. 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 his wife, 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. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Homer Pierson American Legion Post #207 where he served as chaplain for several years.
He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Jane Bryan of Monroe; and Becky (Louis) Schwartzkopf; and Pamela (Dirk) Feenstra, both of Mankato, Minnesota; two sons, Rodney (Laurie) Bryan of Frankfort; and Timothy (Sharon) Bryan of Huntington; five grandchildren, Jared (Amanda) Bryan; and Heath (Danielle) Bryan, both of Berne; Emily (Jonathan) Buns of Coralville, Iowa; Eric (Jessica) Bryan of Decatur; and Dorothy (Jacob) Winters of New Hope, Minnesota; seven great-grandchildren, Parker (SO Autumn) Bryan of Geneva; Lanie Bryan; Kaylynn Bryan; Samantha Bryan; and Brenlee Bryan, all of Berne; Liara Buns of Coralville Iowa; and Chase Bryan of Decatur; one great-great-grandson, Jackson Bryan of Geneva; brother-in-law, Jerry Winans of Springfield Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Marie Rauch of Monroe; and Rita Garner of Decatur; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  
He was preceeded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Doyt (Vivian) Bryan; Dick (Sally) Bryan; Barbara (Kenneth) Gaunt; and Janet (Arnold) Roughia.
Visitation will be Friday, February 4 from 5-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, February 5 at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. Officiating will be Rev. Jim Compton. Private burial will be at Blue Creek Township Tricker Cemetery. The family requests those attending the visitation and funeral service to wear masks.  
Memorials may be made to Premier Hospice and Palliative Care in Fort Wayne, CTN Community Network Transport in Fort Wayne or donor’s choice.  
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.