Ivan was born on January 20,1942 to Arnold and Arlotte (Pearson) Skartvedt in Story City, IA. In 1944, after Ivan’s mother passed away, his father married Helen Lindebak and they raised six children together. Ivan grew up in Radcliffe, IA, where he graduated from high school in 1960. He then went on to attend AIB College in Des Moines, IA, receiving a degree in business. Ivan married the love of his life, Barbara Ritland, on August 5, 1961, at a country church just outside of Radcliffe. Together they were blessed with three children. In 1968, Ivan and Barbara moved to Conrad, making this their home. Ivan worked at the Conrad Co-op as Assistant Manager for many years. He then went on to work at the Green Mountain Co-op as the Manager for several years before retiring. After retirement, Ivan decided to serve his community in the Funeral Industry, working part-time for Vogel Family Services, now known as Anderson Funeral Homes. Between the two, he graciously served his community for the past 15 years. While working for Anderson Funeral Homes, he was known for his professionalism, kindness and work ethic. One word that any Anderson Funeral Home employee would use to describe Ivan is, “irreplaceable.” In Ivan’s free time he loved to fish, play guitar and support any sporting event his children or grandchildren were a part of. To no surprise, Ivan’s biggest hobby was golfing. He could regularly be found out on Oakwood on a daily basis. Ivan was a member of the golf course since he moved to Conrad in 1968. Ivan was a faithful man, always supporting his local churches and regularly attending Sunday services.

Ivan will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, three children: Kelly (Kevin) Miller, of Stillwater, MN, Jeff Skartvedt, of Johnston, IA, Krista (Tim) Cooper, of Conrad, IA, nine grandchildren: Chris Miller, Nick (Laura) Miller, Rachel Miller, Blake Skartvedt, Lauren Skartvedt, Kate Goecke, Kaylee (Tyler Debondt) Goecke, Jordan (Tyler Means) Nigh, Blake (Sara Sharp) Cooper, two great grandchildren, Elodie Miller, Jaxon Nigh, three brothers: David (Mary) Skartvedt, of Riverside, CA, Wendell Frette, of Ames, IA, Lyle (Pam) Skartvedt, of Garden City, IA, one sister, Jean (Larry) Engelson, of Hubbard, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Glen Frette, and a sister-in-law, Lois Frette.