Ivan L. Buck

Ivan L. Buck, age 84, of Green Bay, WI, passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2025. Ivan was born in Jackson MI, to the late Lyle and Iris Buck on June 5, 1941. He was the first born of Lyle and Iris' three children, followed by the birth of his sisters, Alice and Edith.

He married the love of his life, Karen, and together they shared just over six decades of devotion and partnership. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in June of this year. They were wed in Hinsdale, IL, and honeymooned in Springfield, IL. For many summers they camped at Camp Wakonda in Westfield, WI enjoying a family reunion / spiritual renewal hosted by their church. Ivan and Karen's journey was filled with love, laughter, and many memories along the way.

In his early years while attending Andrew's University, Ivan worked at College Wood Products, building a reputation for his work ethic and dedication. Ivan answered the call to serve his country through the United States Army in 1967. Throughout his selfless service as a medic during the war in Vietnam, he was awarded multiple accommodations and medals, one being a Bronze Star with "V" for valor. On this specific mission, Ivan risked his own life carrying wounded soldiers out of combat for evacuation under immense gunfire. His honorable, brave, and distinguished action should never be forgotten.

After the couple settled in Green Bay, WI, Ivan eventually pursued a long career in maintenance at a local print shop and became known for being able to fix or repair just about anything. In the family he would always be the one called to handle emergencies when a car, house, or just about anything had an issue that needed to be fixed. The family came up with the loving term that he would "Ivanize" things in a pinch to save the day. It was clear that helping others gave him a lot of joy and satisfaction, as he always wanted to help others in need.

As part of his love for God he sang in the choir and performed in the church band. Later he served as a deacon at the local Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist church for many years where he oversaw the preparations for baptisms. Helping others was his ministry for God as he was a quiet and gentle soul. His love for God was central to all he did.

Family was also very important to Ivan. He and Karen had their first home together in LaGrange, IL. He later built his own home in Green Bay, WI that would become their permanent residence together. He was proud of this accomplishment, being a man that loved to build and work with his hands. The thing he was most proud of though, was the son he and Karen had and raised in this home. As a family they hosted many family gatherings and parties through the years there as well.

He endlessly loved his wife Karen and son Andrew, cherishing every milestone, holiday, and being fully devoted to his family. This love later expanded to include his daughter-in-law Tiffany when Andrew met the love of his life.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife Karen, son Andrew, along with daughter-in-law Tiffany. This also includes his sister Edith Younger, brother-in-law Duane Carlson, sisters-in-law Gloria Wilde, Gladys Baun, and Cheryl Jensen, along with many extended relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Iris Buck along with his sister Alice Warren.

A visitation for Ivan will be held on September 2nd, at the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1414 Shawano Avenue, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm with a service to follow. Pfotenhauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services Howard-Suamico is assisting the family.

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