Ivan Vanaken Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ivan Andrew Vanaken, 89, died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, after a brief illness. Ivan was born June 30, 1920, in Cedar Edge, CO, to Elbert and Carrie (Eckert) Vanaken. During his life Ivan worked as a trail guide for the Little Dude Guest Ranch, his family's...

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In his words, Ivan's Journey from Creede--

March 3, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to write to all of you, and so I’ve asked my daughter, Linda, to be my secretary for this letter. As most of you know, I have lived many years in my family home in Creede, Colorado, and that arrangement has been wonderful for me. Now, though, I have decided that it is time to move on to a place where I can have a little more help.
Recently, I moved to Homelake...

May 22, 2010

Amethyst Lodge #94, AF&AM was proud to have Ivan as a brother Mason. He will be missed at our meetings. He strove to stand upright before God and man, squaring his actions by the concept of virtue, on the level with all mankind.

Dusty Little

May 18, 2010 | Del Norte, CO

As part of the woodcarving club in Colorado Springs, Ivan and Fran Vanaken were instrumental in keeping the club going and getting many people interested in woodcarving. They also started the summer carving week in Creede, CO. Ivan will be remembered by his many friends all across the western states as a generous and giving person.

Gary Fenton

May 17, 2010 | Colorado Springs, CO

Uncle Ivan is and always will be my hero. When I was very young he helped Mom and four of us kids get settled in Colorado Spring after leaving Durango. Going to Palmer Lake was a treat. Uncle Ivan and Aunt Frances were the top of the class for Aunts and Uncles. He took me hunting one year to Montrose. I still remember him walking through the woods with that very long rifle towering over him. I am so grateful he was there for me growing up. I will miss you!!!
Don Washburn

Don Washburn

May 17, 2010 | Grand Junction, CO

I really enjoyed Ivan's pleasant countenance and his quiet sense of humor. He enjoyed talking about woodcarving, coal mining, and anything or anybody from Creed, Colorado. I enjoyed singing along with him to his Alan Jackson and Christy Lane gospel cds, and I'll miss my "Tuesdays with Ivan". My sympathy to all of you. Patty Kruse

May 03, 2010

I was blessed to know this gentle man for 40 years, his kindness and ready laugh among my favorite memories. And he did love to spend time at the Palmer Lake Elementary School, often with his wife, Frances, and in close proximity to his grandchildren, Greg and Trenea.

Linda Smith

May 03, 2010 | Ellis, KS

I rememeber Ivan and Frances coming to Palmer Lake Elementary School, as being PALS and showing their talent in woodcarving to the children. Sending our sympathy Norma and Ralph Lavelett

April 27, 2010

Ivan Andrew Vanaken

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