John P Ivanick

John P. Ivanick

age 89 passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Born May 12, 1930 in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, to Steve and Susan (Kosturik)

Loving husband for sixteen years of Joan. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Marylin.

Beloved and adored father of Cynthia (Mark Wirth), treasured father in law, deeply loved and adored grandfather of Wesley of New York City.

Loved and cherished step grandfather of Michael, T.J. (Bridgette), and Dan (Kellie) Kemock.

Loved and treasured by many cousins and countless friends made over a lifetime.

John graduated from Welland High School in Canada where he played for their winning football team and was named All Ontario Linebacker. He went on to graduate from The University of Michigan, College of Engineering in Ann Arbor, MI. He was an enthusiastic Michigan football fan all his life and active supporter of the school. Following graduation, John moved to Chicago with his wife Marylin, also a Michigan graduate. John began work as an engineer with Chemetron Corporation, specializing in fire protection engineering for over forty years. He took pride in his work helping people and developed wonderful, decades long friendships with his colleagues.

John later moved to Homewood, IL where he and Marylin built a home and raised their daughter. Following retirement and meeting Joan, he moved to Lowell where he was an active, well liked member of the Meadowbrook community.

John was also known for a life-long love of music. Growing up, he learned to play the accordion later forming a band with close friends. They enthusiastically played at weddings and parties in the Niagara region. John loved all music, particularly Jazz. He attended many concerts in Buffalo and Chicago and built an extensive collection of classic jazz recordings. He shared this love with his family, whether gamely attending any concert with his daughter, listening to jazz in his study with his grandson or dancing with his wife. Along with a good cup of coffee, music kept the bounce in John’s step.

John also loved architecture, particularly the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. His interest in design extended to landscapes, he enthusiastically planned the yards and gardens of his homes.

John was an avid reader, his home always filled with books. He started each day reading multiple newspapers and, after the arrival of his grandson, loved to take him to the local library. He also loved to barbecue for family, grilling year-round from artic Midwest winters to beautiful summer nights.

A lifelong athlete, John continued to be active well into his eighties enjoying the camaraderie of his local fitness club.

While John had many accomplishments and interests, he will be most remembered for his gentle kindness, selfless generosity and character. Always with a ready, warm smile and kind word for family, friends and those he just met.

John had great enthusiasm for life. He was grateful for and happy with the life he lived. Filled with kindness, curiosity, good humor and above all love for family. His was a life well lived.

His family and friends are deeply grateful for every moment shared.

Cremation will precede Visitation, Monday, August 12 from 4-8, at Sheets Funeral Home, with a Memorial Mass, Tuesday 11AM, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Cedar Lake.    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Lowell Public Library.

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