Ivan Joens, Sr.

Ivan Joens Sr., 95, formerly of Anita, Iowa, died December 4, 2016, at his home in Waukee, Iowa.

Ivan was born in Manning, Iowa, on July 5, 1921, the son of Henry and Ida (Schroeder) Joens of rural Manning.
Ivan enlisted in 1942 and served in World War II, fighting with the First Calvary in the Philippines and Japan. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in action. His Army career took him to military bases throughout the U.S., Japan and twice to Germany.

Ivan and Betty Karns met square dancing in Elk Horn, Iowa, then married in Tennessee, on September 3, 1943. They had four children, Ivan Jr, Terry, Jerry and Angela.

After retiring in 1973 from the US Army and while living in Anita, Ivan became head bus driver for the Anita Schools. The kids gave him the nickname, Driven Ivan. To this day the family still has people tell them he was their favorite bus driver. He also worked part time for the Anita Lumber Company.

Ivan enjoyed going to Burger King and McDonalds with his wife to meet up with their friends. This became a part of their daily routine. He loved tinkering around in his garage and enjoyed working on clocks. He became very creative with how he fixed things. Ivan liked watching The National Geographic channel, Lawrence Welk Show, and WHO. The way to Ivan's heart was with a bowl of ice cream, waffles, pie or anything sweet. Ivan loved spending time with his grandchildren. He loved having three of his grandchildren grow up next door to him and was able to attend all of their school functions. He became a huge role model and supporter to them.
Ivan will be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit. His family will also always remember his advice on how to live a long healthy life as, "good, clean living."

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, who died in 2005; and his brothers, Lester and Allen Joens.

Surviving him are his children, Angela Hagen and her husband, Jeff, both of whom cared for Ivan since his wife's death; his sons, Ivan Jr., Terry and Jerry "Skip" Joens; 6 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family may call at the Anita Methodist Church, Anita, Iowa, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. when the family will be present.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec 9, 2016, at the Anita Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita.

Memorials in his honor will be donated to organizations that support veterans and their families.