Ivan Curtis

Ivan D. Curtis, the son of Leroy and Ida (Clipperton) Curtis, was born April 16, 1924 on a farm near Churdan, Iowa and departed this life November 24, 2018 at Greene County Long Term Care in Jefferson, Iowa. He lived a long and full life to the age of 94 years, 7 months and 7 days.

When Ivan was four years of age, his parents moved to Jefferson where his father ran a grocery store where Ivan worked when he was older. Ivan graduated from Jefferson High School and then joined the Merchant Marines. When WWII started, Ivan joined the U.S. Navy. On March 27, 1945, while on leave from the Navy, Ivan Curtis was united in marriage to Shirley Ann McGlothlen at the Jefferson Methodist Church. After his discharge from the Navy, Ivan and Shirley started farming near Churdan and raised three children: Mike, Linda and Pat. They retired from farming in the early 90’s and moved to Churdan. 

Ivan was an active member of the Churdan United Methodist Church and served as an usher for most funerals over the years and up to a year prior to his death. As well as farming the land, Ivan raised livestock and enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bowling. After Shirley was diagnose with Alzheimer’s, Ivan cared for her and he took up quilting to keep busy. 

Ivan is survived by his daughter, Linda of Churdan; seven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; daughter-in-law, Pam Curtis of Des Moines; son-in-law, John Cordes of Lohrville and a sister, Joyce Johnson of California. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Shirley in 2011; son, Mike; daughter, Pat Cordes; and two brothers, Dean and Gary Curtis.  

A celebration of Ivan’s life will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Churdan with Rev. David Arulnathan officiating. Burial will be made at a later date in Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan. Musical selections at the service will be recorded favorites of Ivan’s. Casket bearers will be his grandchildren.

Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson is assisting with the services.