Ivan Abbott

1945 - 2026

Funeral services for Ivan Abbott, age 80, of Hartington, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Bloomfield Community Center in Bloomfield, Nebraska. Elder Don Halbgewachs will officiate.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bloomfield Community Center.

Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Military honors will be provided by the Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements.

Ivan John Abbott, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully slipped away from us on March 5, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on December 2,1945, in Lexington, Nebraska to John Abbott and Ima (Troxel) Abbott and raised on the family farm outside of Cozad, Nebraska. His life was a testament to resilience, love and an unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Ivan led a very full life. He demonstrated his tenacity early on, taking First Place in the 133 lbs. weight class as part of the Cozad Nebraska State Class B Wrestling Team Champions in 1964. While in high school he was also involved in FFA. After graduating from Cozad High School in 1964, Ivan pursued welding and drafting at the Nebraska Trade School, now known as Southeast Community College at Milford, graduating in 1966.

Ivan had just started working for New Holland in Grand Island when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served with honor in the Vietnam War through 1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the Phong Dinh Province. Ivan's bravery was recognized with several honors, including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and the Vietnam Service Ribbon. His service to his country was a testament to his bravery and dedication, qualities he carried throughout his life.

Upon being honorably discharged, he worked as an apiarist for the next 10 years alongside his father-in-law. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to be the owner and operator of Pleasant Valley Welding and Repair in rural Cedar County for the next 30 years. For the last 17 years of his career, Ivan was a truck driver for Heritage Homes, proudly transporting his last house in October 2025.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda (Halbgewachs) Abbott, with whom he shared a beautiful 50-year marriage; his parents, John Abbott and Ima (Troxel) Abbott; his in-laws, Harold Halbgewachs and Edith (Bybee) Halbgewachs; a brother, Kenneth Abbott; a sister, Aleda (Abbott) Peterson; brothers-in-law, Tom Oldfather, Dean Peterson, and Allan Loibl; sisters-in-law, Dawn Abbott and Myrna Loibl; nieces, Ellen Forsma, Julie Halbgewachs, and Alberta Abbott; and nephews, Jamie Abbott, David Abbott, Craig Abbott, Kim Peterson, Kelly Peterson, Justin Halbgewachs, and William Ringland.

Ivan is lovingly remembered by his five children, Ivy (Mark) Folkers, Doug (Mandy) Abbott, Rebecca (Bryce) Jorgenson, Angela (Shawn) Warner and Kirk Abbott; along with 14 grandchildren: Heather (Alec) Kulm, Dillan Folkers, Amber (Elias) Rosberg, Allison (Shy-Ello) Mosley, Darren Folkers, Rachel (Jared) Sachtjen, Tyler Abbott, Katie Abbott, Tanner Abbott, Brooke (Cole) Hubbard, Brianna Jorgenson, Bennet Jorgenson, Sonja Warner and Hailey Warner; and his five great-grandchildren: Wyatt Rosberg, Waylon Rosberg, Athena Mosley, Ezra Mosley, and Liam Sachtjen.

Ivan is also survived by his brother, Donald (Sharon) Abbott; a sister, Dorothy (Abbott) Oldfather; and siblings-in-law, Howard (Cynthia) Halbgewachs, Don (Barbara) Halbgewachs, Richard (Charolette) Halbgewachs, and Victor (Elaine) Halbgewachs. He leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Ivan was a steward of his community, always ready to lend a helping hand. His talents were endless, his quick wit, honesty and expertise were well known and admired. He possessed an unmatched ability to repair anything, and a deep faith reflected in his commitment to reading and listening to the Bible on tape multiple times.

A man of many interests, Ivan cherished sharing stories of his life, watching the stars and the beauty of thunderstorms from his back porch. He found joy in fishing, tending his garden, especially his raspberry patch and exploring his artistic side by crafting sculptures from found metal objects. He left an indelible mark on everyone he met, and his memory will forever inspire those who knew him and his spirit will continue to guide his family and community. May he rest in peace.