Ivan N. Minich, 82 years old of Monroeville, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on Sunday, March 27, 1932 in Allen County, Indiana the son of the late Edward Minich and the late Ida (Grotrian) Minich. He married Barbara A. Sautter on August 10, 1952 and she preceded him in death on November 18, 2007. Ivan served his country in the United States Air Force and the Indiana Air Guard; retiring after 25 years with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church - Flatrock and the Heritage Lions Club. He was a former member of the Heritage Snowmobile Club and the Hoagland Area Advancement Association. Ivan was also a former member of the American Legion Post #420 of Monroeville. In addition to farming, Ivan retired from Navistar with over 35 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, boating and spending time with friends and family. He spent many hours tinkering on various mechanical projects. Surviving are his daughter, Rita A. (Joe) Cerda of Lebanon, Ohio; daughter, Karen L. Gerbers of Fort Wayne; daughter, Denise I. (Jeff) Ehle of New Haven; son, Neal (Mary) Minich of Fort Wayne; and daughter, Tammy (Dan) Scheele of Lithia, Florida. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Chad Bruick; Jason Bruick; Taylor Hougland; Beth Baumert; Brandon Bultemeier; Ben Maggert; Brian Maggert; Courtney Macy; Nicole Bolinger; Kyle Ehle; Audrey Ehle; Luke Minich; Jake Minich; Anna Minich; Tyler Scheele; Gavin Scheele; and Camille Scheele and 19 great-grandchildren. Preceding Ivan in death were a daughter, Sandra K. Beucler; a brother, Richard Minich.; and a sister, Irene Hughes. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2014 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock with Rev. Douglas Christian officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Flatrock with Military Graveside Services provided by the American Legion Post #420 of Monroeville. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 5 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock or Beth Anne Hoffman Scholarship Fund.
