Joseph Ivaska Jr. of Coldwater, MI entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, May 22, 2016 while being lovingly cared for at the MacRitchie Skilled Nursing Facility in Hillsdale, MI.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Interment will follow at Batavia Cemetery with the Coldwater American Legion Post #52 presenting Military Honors. Visitation will be prior to the funeral, beginning at 12:00 PM.

Joe was born on October 18, 1927 to Eluria and Joseph Ivaska Sr. in Danville, IL. Joe graduated from Coldwater High School in 1945 and was accepted into the Naval Aviation Cadet (V-5) program and attended Colgate University. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1946 and in 1947 he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Jean Funderburg.

Mr. Ivaska served as a bookkeeper and/or manager at several local manufacturing companies including Quality Spring Products, Crotty Corporation & Billy Boy Products, and the American Planter Company. He concluded his working career as a Senior Underwriter at State Farm Insurance Company. However, the job he remembered most fondly was his position as Greenskeeper at the Coldwater Country Club. During his time at State Farm, he was a member of Toastmasters International and refined his public speaking skills in local and district competitions and was recognized as a Toastmaster Evaluator for several years.

Joe served his local church in both leadership and servant positions. He served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Moderator at Bronson Baptist Church for many years. A home Bible study group that he facilitated eventually grew into Snow Prairie Bible Church. The church was officially incorporated on May 18, 1976 and Joe served as acting pastor of that congregation until the church called a full-time pastor through Village Missions. As a member of the Gideon Society, Joe placed Bibles in hotels and prisons, and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with local congregations and prison inmates. Joe and Doris Jean owned and operated the Christian Bookstore on Monroe Street in Coldwater from 1972-2001.

Joe loved the outdoors and the beauty of God’s creation. He shared that love with his children and grandchildren, teaching them to fish, tend gardens, watch for birds and recognize their calls. He served as Scout Master in the Coldwater Boy Scouts and as a Boys Brigade Leader at the Bronson Baptist Church. His favorite place to be was in a boat in the middle of the lake with a fishing pole in his hand.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Doris and son, Daniel. He is survived by his son Steven (Patricia) of Peoria, IL, his daughter, Karen (Charles) King of Winfield, IL, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Snow Prairie Bible Church. www.dutcherfh.com