Ivan Estes

Ivan E. Estes

Palmetto, FL

Mecosta, MI

Ivan E. Estes, formerly of Lansing, died February 15, 2015. Born in Dewitt, MI to Ivan and Ethel Estes, he was raised in Bannister and St Johns, Michigan. Like so many young men of that era, his college education was interrupted by WWII. He enlisted in the US Army where he served in the 97th Division as a BAR gunner and German translator. Ivan helped liberate Flossenburg Concentration Camp in Bavaria. He also served in Japan and witnessed Japan's formal surrender. After his return to the states, he finished his degree at Michigan State University and married Doreen Bell. Their caring, loving marriage sustained them for over 66 years. Ivan was the personnel director for the Michigan Department of Mental Health serving for 37 years under 6 governors and was instrumental in the creation of the Michigan Civil Service Commission. He was a member of St Paul's Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry and music committee. Following his retirement in 1982, he and Doreen enjoyed traveling and spending the winters at their home at Piney Point, FL.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Doreen, their daughter Jodi and son in law Douglas Gabert of Reed City; their grandson, Martin, his brother, Jack Estes, sister in law, Geraldine Beattie, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A son, David, predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held at St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Big Rapids, MI in the late spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to theNational World War II Memorial c/o "Friends of the National World War II Memorial" 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite 316 Washington, DC 20003 or Manna Pantry 323 S State St Big Rapids, MI 49307.