Ivan Johnson

TRACY — Burial and graveside services for Ivan Johnson, 73, of Tracy, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Lamberton Cemetery in Lamberton. Afterward, friends and family will congregate at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 805 Birch in Lamberton for a celebration of life in honor of Ivan. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton.

Ivan died June 29, 2018, at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy.

Ivan Merlin Johnson was born Sept. 7, 1944, in Tyler, to Ernest and Ella (Haase) Johnson. Growing up, he attended school in Russell and graduated at the top of his class from Russell High School Class of 1962. He later moved to Tracy to be close to his Grandma Haase. Ivan honorably served in the National Guard from 1962-1970. There are many great stories from local residents who served with him. Ivan was a ” lifelong” member of the American Legion. He enjoyed being active in their events. He was a member of The Eagles… until he wasn’t. Ivan spent his entire life working for the railroad and retired from BNSF after 37 years. We will all miss the twinkle in Ivan’s eyes, his stories, his jokes, and his contagious laugh. He loved singing karaoke, listening to “The Oldies,” spending time with his friends, “toasting” and playing cards. He enjoyed reading and endless learning. Some of his favorite topics were health and science. He was passionate about vitamins, minerals and herbs. He was proud of his garden and fruit trees, especially his beloved peach tree. Annually, he would make homemade mustard with the habanero peppers he grew. He loved “the spice of life,” the hotter the better. His greatest pride, other than his family, was his Thunderbird. He has taken his ride Home and we will all miss him deeply.

He is survived by his children, Beth Anderson and Christopher (Katie) Rose; grandchildren – Brianna (Sgt. Kyle Heydenburg) Melle, Isabella Rose, Sophia Rose, and Jett Wolf.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Adam Melle.

Memorials and donations can be made online by going to www.chandleriamproject.org or you can mail your donations to Chandler I AM Project, Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1900 S. Arrowhead Drive, Chandler, AZ 85286. “I AM” stands for I Adam Melle, who lost his life to addiction. Grandson of Ivan Johnson. I AM Project offers treatment and support for those suffering opioid addiction.