Ivan James McIlvanie

Ivan James McIlvanie, 75, of Greeley, CO left his earthly body on Sunday, May 21, 2017. He was born in Fort Morgan, CO on August 19, 1941 to Joseph and Ruth (Gearhart) McIlvanie. Ivan graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1961. He then went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp. He enlisted on November 17, 1961 and served on the front lines of Vietnam. On December 1, 1965, he was made sergeant. He was discharged as a Combat Veteran on February 25, 1966. After he returned home he attended college at NJC in Sterling, CO and at UNC in Greeley. He graduated on March 13, 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He did his student teaching and then got his permanent teaching job in Wray, CO. He was an amazing middle school science teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. He coached football, basketball, and track, but his favorite was wrestling. He was also an assistant coach for the high school wrestling team during the time. He enjoyed teaching and coaching for over 33 years until he retired in 2007. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as playing golf and taking road trips to various casinos. Ivan loved being around his children and grandchildren. Ivan is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (David) Knies, Deborah (Brian) Middleton, Pamela (Amanda Jerome) McIlvanie, and Stephanie McIlvanie; his grandchildren, Shandra Middleton, Kati Middleton, Michael Knies, Samantha Knies, Jonathan Jerome, Brandon Middleton, Jaron Middleton, and Ryan Middleton; a sister, Fern Reich; a brother, Everett (Vanita) McIlvanie; and many nephews and nieces. He also leaves behind his beloved cats, Puppy, Shadow, and Thunder, as well as many grandpets he enjoyed visiting. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Marvin McIlvanie, and Orville McIlvanie; a sister, Annabelle Johnston; a son, Matthew McIlvanie; and a grandson, William Knies. There will be two Life Celebrations held for Ivan J. McIlvanie in the places that meant a lot to him. In Greeley on June 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634; and a smaller one in Wray, CO on June 11, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Buchanan Middle School Gym.