Ivan Clarence Meints

Ivan Meints, 91, of Clara City, died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 12, at 11:00 am, at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City, followed by a light luncheon in the church basement. Private interment will be held in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Clara City. (www.hafh.org)

Ivan Clarence Meints was born March 19, 1934, at his parent's home in Crate Township, Chippewa County, Clara City, Minnesota, to Meint and Anna (Hayunga) Meints. He grew up in the rural Clara City, Maynard area, graduating from Maynard High School in 1952. He attended and was actively involved in Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City for 91 years.

On June 5, 1954, he married his childhood sweetheart, Tillie (Caspers) Meints in Bethany Reformed Church. Following their marriage, Ivan was employed for nine years by VSC (Variety Supply Company) in Clara City, working as a Wholesale Manager.

Bradley Joel Meints was born to them in 1956, followed by daughter, Kristine Kay in 1958, and Paul David in 1959. Ivan purchased and moved his family to his father's farm in 1962. He and wife, Tillie partnered together, farming successfully for 30 years, until 1992, when he chose to retire from full time farm management. He then joined the Crate Farmers Insurance Company, as an insurance agent, and was also hired by Steve Hilbrands, as a hired hand. He enjoyed both positions immensely, as it allowed him to continue doing what he enjoyed, while providing opportunity for him and Tillie to winter in Harlingen, Texas, with friends, for many years. Ivan served on many boards through the years, including the Maynard School Board, Crate Township Board, Crate Insurance Board, Cattlemen's Association Board, Pork Producers Association Board, and Bethany Church Consistory Board.

A farming accident in 1990 left both of Ivan's legs in casts, disabling him from work. To circumvent his boredom, daughter-in-law, Kristine, purchased a simple wood carving tool set and challenged Ivan to carve something. Ivan's passion for wood carving was born! He carved over 100 pieces, won multiple purple ribbons at competitions, and gifted many of his creations. He also enjoyed gardening and following the Hilbrands' cattle operation/shows. Ivan lost Tillie to cancer in 2009. After her homegoing, he was invited by his dear friend, Chuck Ammermann, to attend a men's Bible study. It was there that he truly met Jesus, personally, fully, and intimately. He grew deeply in love with Jesus and wanted everyone he encountered to know Him too. Ivan married Deanna (Grussing-Kvistad) in 2011. They enjoyed 13 years of travel and companionship before Deanna's passing from cancer in 2024. Ivan enjoyed two years in his assisted living apartment, reacquainting him with many old friends, and making new friends, too.

Ivan is survived by children, Bradley (Kristine) Meints of Pine Island; Kris (Greg) Kaihoi of Eden Prairie; and Paul (Donna) Meints of Mankato; brother, Russel Meints of Corvallis, OR; eight grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Tillie; and wife, Deanna.