John J. Byler, M.D.

 John J. Byler, M.D. 84, of South Bend, IN passed away at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at his home.  He was born on March 19, 1931 in Lancaster, NY to the late John  A. and Amanda (Knepp) Byler.  On July 16, 1966 in Goshen, IN, he was united in marriage to the former Martha  (Beiler) Byler.

Dr. Byler is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Martha Byler; daughter, Rachel A. (John) Ralston of South Bend, IN; two sons, Steven Mark (Sheilagh) Byler of Coupeville, WA and John J. (Rebecca) Byler II of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Erik Edwards, Colin Byler and Sean Byler and many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Leona Yoder, Dorothy Miller, Ella Mae Riehl, Irene Helmuth, Vera Byler and Mary Jane Hershberger and four brothers, Leslie Byler, Henry Byler, Carl Byler and Vernon Byler.

Dr. Byler has been a South Bend area resident since the 1960's.  In 1994 he retired from his private practice. He celebrated over fifty years of service to the community as a medical doctor.  Early in his career as a medical doctor, he and his family did missions work in the Congo of Africa and Haiti and also many short term mission trips. After retirement, he worked in the E.R. at Berrien General Hospital, the Student Health Center at Notre Dame and Life Treatment Center in South Bend.  He volunteered at Sister Maura Brannick Center in South Bend  and many other organizations and was a member of Southgate Church. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Southgate Church, 3717 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN.  Pastor Jeff Kennedy will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN. 

Contributions in memory of Dr. John J. Byler may be offered to Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, 1013 Division Street, Goshen, IN 46528 or Crossing Education Center of South Bend, 2930 S. Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN 46517.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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