Ivan Downs, 87, of Thief River Falls, MN, died at his home in Thief River Falls, MN, on Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

Memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN with Pastor Bob Dahlen officiating. Burial will be at Clyde, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Friday, December 19, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.

Ivan Wendel Downs was born on October 7, 1921 in Clyde, ND to Woodrow and Anna (Boettger) Downs. He attended the Huron Township School through the 8th grade.

Ivan served his country in the US Navy from November of 1942 to January of 1946. He was a motor machinist mate, third class. He served in the South Pacific, Marianna Islands where he was a welder on the dry docks.

He was united in marriage to Bette Gossett on June 12, 1947 at the Clyde Methodist Church in Clyde, ND. He farmed in Cavalier County, ND from 1946-1968. He then farmed in Kratka Township, Pennington County, MN near Goodridge, MN from 1968-1985. He has resided in Thief River Falls since 1981. During his retirement he worked for Anderson Brothers in Viking, MN, doing what he loved, driving a tractor.

Ivan enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling. He loved to spend time with his family and friends and enjoyed a friendly argument with his grandchildren.

He was a charter member of the American Legion in Clyde, ND, a member of the Thief River Falls American Legion, Eagles, and VFW, and the Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife Bette Downs, Thief River Falls, MN, 4 children, Debra Berg, Fargo, North Dakota, Mary Beth (Dale) Hoffmann, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Peggy Hoffman, Carson City, Nevada, Randel (Rhonda) Downs, Goodridge, Minnesota, 11 grandchildren: Joleen Berg, Matthew (Rachel) Berg, Rayanne Hoffmann, Ryan (Cheryl) Hoffmann, Ronda Hoffmann, Gretchen Hoffman, Jason Hoffman, Tabitha (Dick) Johnson, Heather (Brian) Barry, Alisha (Kevin) Walseth, Tyler Downs, 12 great grandchildren: Jayden Berg, Finnigan Berg, Marcus Hoffmann, Christopher Hoffmann, Emily Hoffmann, Lincoln Hoffmann, Nikalette Hoffmann, Hailey Downs, Levi Johnson, Ethan Barry, Brody Barry, Lydia Walseth, sisters in law, Jean Downs, Francis Downs, Betty Downs, and Judy Downs. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers Woodrow Downs, James Downs, Vernon Downs, Wiley Downs, , 3 sisters, Thelma Bjorstad, Nancy Downs, Annalee Downs, grandson Patrick Berg, 2 sons in law Clinton Hoffman and Marvin Berg.

The family respectfully asks for no flowers.

ORGANIST: Kathy Nordeen
SOLOIST: Rynae Harder
SELECTIONS: When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, Amazing Grace
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art Battle Hymn of the Republic
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW Posts