Ivan Lee Swartzentruber

Ivan Lee Swartzentruber was born February 9, 1920 in rural Kalona, Iowa, the son of Loyd and Elva (Kempf) Swartzentruber. On September 1, 1940 Ivan was united in marriage to Alma (Borntrager) at the Fairview Mennonite Church. Ivan helped build Fairview Mennonite Church, and was a charter member. When he owned Swartzentruber (Sharon) Grocery Store, he was drafted for Civilian Peace Service (CPS) and served at Hills City, South Dakota, and on the canning truck for MCC. Ivan was a farmer, carpenter, repaired furniture and did numerous wood carvings since 1980. Ivan passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Weaver Haus in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 95years, 11 months and 4 days. Ivan is survived by four children: Elva (Myron) Silvey of Pensacola, Florida, Jo Ann Miller of Goshen, Indiana, Lee (Kathy) Swartzentruber of Phoenix, Arizona, Geneva (Del) Miller of Millersburg, Indiana; son-in-law Alvin (Eileen) Miller of Goshen, Indiana; daughter-in-law Twila Swartzentruber of Kalona, Iowa. Also surviving are his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Loyd and Elva Swartzentruber, step mother Effie (Hostetl...[more]

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Swartzentruber, brother Olan Swartzentruber, sister Edna (Swartzentruber) Schrock, his wife Alma, daughter Martha Fern Miller and son Don Swartzentruber. On May 26, 2007 Ivan was united in marriage to Esther (Knepp) Swartzentruber at Bethel Mennonite Church in Montgomery, Indiana. Ivan and Esther's summer home was in Montgomery, Indiana and their winter home was in Sarasota, Florida. Ivan is survived by his wife Esther and 10 step children: Sondra (Levi) Stoll of Jerome, Michigan, Daryl (Mary Lou) Swartzentruber of Montgomery, Indiana, Diane (Dean) Otto of Evansville, Indiana, Cheryl (Don) Gingerich, of Sarasota, Florida, Connie (Allen) Wagler of Lagootee, Indiana, Patti (Ben) Stoll of Sarasota, Florida, Judy (Dana) Moger of Jessup, Georgia, Marlene (Steve) Jones of Ligonier, Indiana, Randy Swartzentruber of Montgomery, Indiana, Craig (Marita) Swartzentruber of Fairfield, Montana and step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Fairview Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. Pastor John Hershberger, Pastor Perry Miller and Pastor Leon Stutzman will officiate. Burial will be in the Fairview Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the Fairview Mennonite Church.