Ivan G. TerMaat, 85, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away at his home on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2020, following a recent cancer diagnosis. Ivan was born to Ira and Maggie (Vrieze) TerMaat on February 7, 1935, in Preston, Minn. In his early years, he lived on a farm in Carimona township. His family later moved to their Etna farm between Spring Valley and Cherry Grove.
He began his education at the Etna Country School in rural Fillmore County attending through eighth grade. He then went on to Spring Valley High School where he graduated in 1953. Ivan married Bonnie Kappers on June 25, 1960, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. They welcomed two daughters, June and Jill. Ivan was dedicated to his family and was a devoted husband for 60 years.
After serving in the army in Korea, Ivan started his career at the Spring Valley Creamery in 1957. He went on to work for Land O’ Lakes until his 1990 retirement. He was then employed at both Len and Lee’s Mobil Station and Marchant Motors. He was also part of the Spring Valley Cemetery mowing crew for 12 years. Some might say he was meticulous in his work, lawn mowing, and detailed cleaning.
Ivan joined the Spring Valley Fire Department in 1966 helping the community in various roles until his retirement as fire chief in 1991. He enjoyed returning to assist the department with the annual chicken barbeque during Ag Days.
His church and faith were important to Ivan. He was a life-long member of the Greenleafton Reformed Church where he participated in many service groups and the consistory. In his final weeks, he appreciated watching the church service from his home as it was streamed live on the internet.
Ivan is survived by his wife Bonnie; his daughters: June (Mel) Koehler and Jill (Greg) Douglas; his grandchildren: Alicia (Alex Belisle) Douglas, Jason (Amber) Koehler, Cassandra (Mitch) Bliven, Josie (John) Rasmussen, Michaela (Ben) Modlin, Evan and Aaron Koehler; and great-grandchildren: Tobias Douglas, Allison and Micah Rasmussen, and Patrick Bliven. Two more great-grandchildren are anticipated yet this year. Additional survivors include his brother, Garry (Diane) TerMaat. He was preceded in death by his two sisters and brothers-in-law Ione (Kenny) Bacon and Viola (Frank) Hofner.
Ivan’s family is very grateful for the care he received during his final weeks at home from Season’s Hospice. Their level of care and compassion is second to none.
A private family memorial service is being planned.
The family welcomes memorial gifts in Ivan’s name to the Greenleafton Reformed Church, to the church’s multimedia fund, or to Seasons Hospice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.