Ivan Heidecker

Ivan E. Heidecker passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Algona. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Buffalo Center. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted.

Ivan E. Heidecker was born to Henry and Anna (Jantz) Heidecker at the Buffalo Center Hospital on April 17, 1940. Living in Stevens, Iowa, he attended a country school and later graduated from Lakota High School in 1958. He and several of his close friends joined the United States Marine Corps in the summer of 1958. During his service, he was a member of the United States Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion. After he completed his service career, he returned to Lakota and attended Mankato State College.

He met and later married Janell Heitland on April 7, 1963. They started their family in Buffalo Center. During their marriage, they had three children: Tracy, Troy and Tim. Ivan worked for Co-Op Oil Station until they moved to Forest City, where he worked for Winnebago Industries. Ivan and Janell returned to Lakota when Ivan began farming. Ivan retired from State Line Co-Op as a site manager in the Swea City office. Ivan enjoyed golfing, playing pinochle, and visiting with friends and family. 

Ivan leaves behind his wife Janell of 61-years, daughter Tracy (Jeff) Johnson, and son Tim (Shannon) Heidecker. Ivan was blessed with five grandchildren: Tyler (Ashley) Johnson, Tara Hartmann, and Tori (Zack) Olthoff, Jake Heidecker, and Zach Heidecker. In addition, Ivan was also lucky to have five great-grandchildren: Taelynn and Dax Johnson and Jensen, Dekker, and Mac Hartmann. Ivan is also survived by siblings: Laverta Zierke, Elnor (Midge) Heidecker, Harlan (Judy) Heidecker, and Lauren (JoAnn) Heidecker; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his son Troy Heidecker, his parents, brother Eldon Heidecker, sister Luella Loos, three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and Janell’s parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hunting With Heroes at 103 3rd Street, Lakota, IA 50451 or find them on Facebook.