Ivan G. English

Ivan Gene English, 73, of Moline, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 16, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island. His sudden departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of Ivan's life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, at New Life Fellowship, located at 2345 19th Street in Moline. Pastor Brad Swartout will officiate the service. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund that will be established in Ivan’s memory.

Ivan Gene English was born November 16, 1950, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Max and Wilma (Head) English. On January 1, 2000, he married the love of his life, Darla Findling, in Moline, beginning a beautiful journey that would span nearly two and a half decades.

Ivan dedicated many years of his life to his work as a route driver for Sara Lee before retiring in 2012. His strong work ethic and dedication were further demonstrated in his later years when he worked as a shuttle driver for Sexton Ford. He will be remembered by co-workers for his sense of humor, and his playful chuckle will live on in the memories of many.

Ivan loved to travel. He excitedly told of adventures he and Darla shared, discussed plans they were making for their next trip together, or reminisced about previous trips to Disney World. A kid at heart, it was one of his favorite places to visit. He delighted in the company of his grandchildren and “Pa” always had tootsie rolls ready for them to “steal” from the candy dish. An avid sports fan, Ivan's loyalty belonged to the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as golfing, bowling, watching Western films and enjoying meals with loved ones.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife, Darla; five children, Kellie (Tim) Kohl of Morrison, Illinois, Lisa (Allen) Lalley of Lyndon, Illinois, Miranda (Cody) Lampe of Bettendorf, Kayla (Nic) Nielsen of Galva, Illinois, and Justin (Becca) English of Coal Valley; 11 grandchildren, Timmy (Taylor) Kohl, Tommy Kohl, Brooke Lalley, Huxley Lampe, Truett Lampe, Jackson Conger, Gabriel Conger, Aldon Conger, Conner Nielsen, Damien Lacy, and Brylin Lacy; three great-grandchildren, Eyn, Ethyn, and Lexi; sisters, Lori Hagemeier of Peoria, Illinois, and Pam Whitehead of Ohio; and his beloved dog, Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max English and Wilma Downs; and siblings, Steve Bowman and Dianna Shoop.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.