Ivan Pfantz

Ivan Pfantz, 94, lifelong resident of State Center, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 under the care and comfort of Iowa River Hospice.

Services for Ivan will take place on Tuesday, January 23 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Melissa Waterman officiating. He will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Friends and family are also invited to attend a visitation on Monday, January 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. also at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Iowa River Hospice. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ivan and his family. For additional information or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Ivan was born March 11, 1929 in State Center to parents Ralph and Florence (Dahlem) Pfantz. He graduated from State Center High School with the class of 1946. Ivan honorably served his country as Staff Sergeant in the United States AirForce from 1950-1953, where he served as an A&E Instructor. During his time in the service, he took Arthur Murray dancing lessons and learned how to Jitterbug, among other dance styles.

Upon his return to Iowa, he met the love of his life, Janie Hamler at a dance hall and the rest was history. The couple was united in marriage on February 14, 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They made their home in State Center, where they raised their four children. Hardworking and dedicated, Ivan was a lifelong farmer. He was also very active in the church, filling many positions over the years and serving on the church board. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, fishing and attending his kids’ and grandkids’ many events. He enjoyed sports, playing Legion semi-pro town baseball and basketball and watching sports on TV. He was an avid Red Sox fan and very vocal when the rival teams made it to the playoffs. He enjoyed trips to Canada and wintering in Texas, as well as watching birds and wildlife.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of almost 68 years, Janie and their children: son Brian (Sharon) Pfantz of State Center and family: Christian (Bobbie) Bohnsack and their children, Jayden and Jordyn, and Justean Allen and her children, Tajen (Bella) Ross and daughter Amara, and Ayden Allen; daughter DeLee (Steve) Freiberg of Marshalltown and family: Jason (Stacey) Freiberg and their children, James, Olivia and Amelia, and JaLeen (Joe) Barloon and their son Nathan; son Bill Pfantz of State Center and family: Ceeton (Karrie) Pfantz and their children, Adrian and Kaedence Huffman and Reece Pfantz, Ethan Pfantz and his children, Keilee, Kinlee and Kason, and Katera (JT) Adams; son Dallas (Robin) Pfantz of State Center and their children: Patrick (Dow) Pfantz and son Brody, Shawna (Scott) Harvey and their children Everly and Cohen, Ashley (Joey) Badger and Hunter Pfantz. He is also survived by his sister Doris (Floyd) Ritland of Zearing and several nieces and nephews.

In eternal life, Ivan is reunited with his parents Ralph and Florence Pfantz, his sister Dorine (Denny) Thompson, nephew Chad Ritland and uncle Henry Dahlem.