Obituary of Ivan Walker

Ivan L. Walker, 83, longtime resident of the Tiffin area, died at his home Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin, where visitation will be held from 4 to 7:30 pm Friday. Memorial donations can be made in Ivan’s memory to Tiffin First Responders, Grace United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice. To share a memory, thought or condolence with his family go to the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Ivan Leroy Walker was born July 17, 1932, in rural Johnson County, near Lone Tree, the son of Earl and Marie (Cline) Walker. His family moved to Tiffin where he attended schools graduating from Tiffin High School with the class of 1950. From 1952 thru 1954 he served his country in the United States Army. On February 10, 1954, he married Nona L. Ludwig at the Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin. The couple has farmed their entire married lives near Tiffin, raising their children, enjoying their grandchildren and great-grandchildren on their farm. He raised hogs and feeder cattle, later changing to a grain onlyu operation and sold seed corn and beans for a number of years. He was known for careful maintenance of his equipment and vehicles. Ivan has always believed others came first, he was an active member of their church, Grace United Methodist Church, has served on or has been a member of numerous boards, organizations and community functions over the years including Clear Creek School Board, Green Castle Aero Club, Consumer Coop, American Legion, Tiffin Gun Club, and Madison Township Clerk. He enjoyed much in his life, shooting, hunting, pulling in tractor pulls, traveling the country, especially the Black Hills; playing cards with family and friends, and of course he could always find a reason to go down to the casino! But most of all, Ivan loved his family and friends. He had a ready smile and infectious laugh. His family includes his wife, Nona; their children, Debbie Bryant, Mike Walker (Elizabeth), and Linda Osbron (Roscoe); 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, sister, Mildred Lovetinsky, and sisters-in-law, Betty Walker, Phyllis Ludwig, Ros Ludwig, and Kathleen Ludwig. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Richard Bryant; brothers, Aaron, Orville, and Loren Walker; a sister, Velma Hotz; a great-grandson, Alex Myers; along with in-laws, Leo Hotz, Jack Lovetinsky, George, Robert, and Dean Ludwig, Genevieve and Arthur Merck. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ivan’s family and his services.