John H. Ryan III, 81, of 130 Short St., Minonk, passed away at 10:09 a.m. Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.

A private family funeral will be at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk.

John was born May 19, 1924, at Pontiac, a son of John H. and Florence Hawk Ryan Jr. He married Priscilla J. Danforth on Oct. 16, 1943, in Minonk. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, John H. (Mary) Ryan IV, and Tom D. (Linda) Ryan, both of Minonk; four grandchildren, John H. (Susan) Ryan V, Minonk; Kevin Ryan, Bloomington; Leigh (Carrie) Ryan, Gibson City; and Tracy Ryan, Peoria; five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Jared, John H. VI, Paul and Jade; and one brother, Warren Ryan, San Franciso, Calif.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd P. Ryan, and one brother.

John farmed the family homestead in Clayton Township for 50 years, retiring in 1986. He and Priscilla moved into Minonk in 1997. He was a member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau.

John's family was very important to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed teaching and playing checkers with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan.

Memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the Filger Library 261 E. Fifth St., Minonk, IL 61760. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.