Ivan G. Holsapple

CHARLESTON -- Ivan Gene Junior Holsapple, age 86 of Charleston, Illinois departed this life on Friday (June 5, 2009) at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Ivan was born on March 20, 1923 in rural Cumberland County, the first son of Ivan and Eugenia (Kingery) Holsapple. He spent all his childhood in Cumberland County. On March 20, 1943 he married the love of his life, Betty J. Frederick in St. Charles, Missouri. Ivan's father helped them get started in farming near the home place with a few acres and some cattle. Being the gregarious person he was, farming did not prove to be his career choice for life. He moved his family to Charleston where he worked at the Carlisle Tire Store (later known as Stark Firestone). He then began serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946 as a supply clerk stationed in Georgia, Japan and South Korea. Following his military service Ivan owned and operated a TV repair shop which eventually became known as Charleston Cable (latering becoming TCI) offering cable service to the Charleston area. He began installing cable and became the office and crew manager before retiring in 1986. Coming around full circle, he returned to farming and engaged in helping other farmers plant and harvest their crops. He also returned to the home place each October to offer his assistance and expertise at the Pumpkin Patch. Three children were born to Ivan and Betty: two daughters, Jean Sharp of Prescott Valley, Arizona and Kay Brand (husband Brad) of Phoenix, Arizona; and, one son, Robert Holsapple also of Prescott Valley. They gave him three grandchildren: Julie Rhoads (husband Ken) and Fletcher Wiles all of Phoenix and Christina Cox (husband Mike) of Charleston. The family has grown to include ten great-grandchildren. In addition, Ivan is survived by a sister-in-law, Bytha Holsapple, nephews, Terry Holsapple (wife Sheila) of Greenup and Kim Holsapple (wife Jennie) of Toledo; and a niece, Kathy Bradley (husband Wade) of Trilla, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty who passed away April 11, 1986; a brother, Berl Holsapple; and two nieces, LeAnn and Charla Holsapple. Ivan was "out and about" for most of his life. He was active and a member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge 35 A.F. & A.M., the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, the Ansar Shrine, Charleston Moose Lodge 1388, Charleston Elks BPOE 623, Fraternal Order of Eagles 3438 of Mattoon; and, a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Coles County Modified Midgets Association. He especially enjoyed modified midget racing and although he never raced himself, he was part owner in a car and watched over the track activities as well as being a race flagman. In retirement he was no less active. He maintained his memberships with civic and fraternal organizations and learned that he very much enjoyed traveling. Ivan traveled to all fifty states, Australia, New Zealand and islands of the Caribbean. He made many trips with his friends in the Voyager's Club. While at home, he was the unofficial coffee maker and greeter at the former Russ and Lynda's restaurant on a daily basis. He learned the art of making good peanut brittle and always made plenty to share. He moved to Cougill apartments where he enjoyed the fellowship of the Peace Meal group and kept conversations lively with his well known "sparring" style. He created a wealth of good friends during his residence there. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday (June 9) at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Reverend Lindo Smith officiating. Services will begin with Masonic Rites conducted by members and guests of the Charleston Masonic Lodge 35 A.F. & A.M. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until service time at the funeral chapel. The family has requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Services or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.