Ivan Dale Leer, of Carol Stream, IL, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born on July 1, 1932, in York Springs, PA to Willam E. Leer and Mabel Bream Leer.

Ivan grew up on a farm in York Springs, PA, where he lived with his parents and five siblings until he was drafted into the army. He served his country for two years in the Korean War and was promoted to sergeant before returning to the States. Using his GI bill, Ivan attended Penn State University, earning his associate's degree in electrical engineering. Within two weeks of graduation, he got married, moved to New Jersey, and started his career with Bell Laboratories where he remained until his retirement in 1989.

In the church of his youth, Ivan married Shirley Kiser in 1957. In 1966, they moved to Illinois where they raised four daughters: Cindy, Heidi, Wendy and Holly. Ivan faithfully served in various church roles (elder, usher, VBS volunteer, handyman, etc.) throughout his life. Ivan's Christian faith was central to his life. He was a generous giver, quietly meeting needs and funding projects that would last for eternity.

Being raised on a farm, Ivan always had a big garden which translated to a big harvest for sharing with family, friends, neighbors, and his church. He loved sports, especially Penn State football, and enjoyed music, often recounting his early years of playing the tuba. Ivan was a fixer. When he bought his first car, a 1955 Buick Century, he also went out and bought the manual. When having his house built, he made sure the architects included a grease pit in the garage so he could do his own maintenance. Ivan did carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and anything else that needed to be done. No repairmen needed in his house!

With retirement came travel, more service opportunities, lots of golf, and more time devoted to family and friends. Losing his wife Shirley to brain cancer in 2014 left a deep wound but through God's strength, Ivan pressed on. The family is deeply appreciative of the care he received during this past year at his memory care community, Terra Vista.

Ivan will be deeply missed as the patriarch of his family who loved him deeply. He is survived by four children and their spouses: Cindy (Mike) Hoidas of Wheaton, IL, Heidi (Keith) Hershey of Northridge, CA, Wendy (Danny) Rhanor of Swartz Creek, MI, Holly (Rikk) Currence of Wheaton, IL; nine grandchildren: Ross (Jen) Van Woerkom, Nate (Amy) Hoidas, Mandie Hoidas, Justin (Marc) Hershey, Josh Hershey, Danielle (Jason) Bulbuk, Jesse (Whitney) Rhanor, Levi (Samantha) Rhanor, Kyle Currence; thirteen great-grandchildren, and his sister Miriam Watkins.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Additional services and burial will be held in Pennsylvania.