Ivan was born in Prince Albert to Isaac and Hilda Goertzen on August 8th, 1959.  He passed away on August 29th after battling MS for the past 20 years.  He leaves to mourn his dedicated and loving wife, Rita (Gagne), his parents, Isaac and Hilda Goertzen, his sisters, Diane (John) Jasnoch, Jacqueline Goertzen (Lyle Zuk), Vivian Goertzen (Harry Bahnmann) and his brother, Ron Goertzen (Tanya), his mother-in-law Noelie (Gagné) Schaan, his brothers-in-law Leon (Laurelle) Gagné & Leo LaFreniere, his sisters-in-law Diane Grennard & Adele (Jim) Horn. Also, Ivan’s nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.

Sports were very important to Ivan which he started to play from a very young age and continued through until he was no longer capable.  Sports that he loved include hockey, football, softball, fishing, golf and hunting.

Ivan took pride in his hockey accomplishments as a goal tender.  In his Junior years, he played for the Prince Albert Raiders and had tried out for the Victoria Cougars WHL team.  A few years after hanging up his skates he enjoyed coaching minor hockey in La Ronge.

Football was also a game Ivan played in high school for the St. Mary’s Marauders.  His love for the game never diminished.  He was a very dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys most of his life.  We often wondered if it was because of the cheerleaders but, of course, he would never admit it!

Ivan moved to Leoville after his graduation to work at his Aunt Marlene’s and Uncle Roland’s Lumberyard.  It was shortly after that, he found the love of his life, Rita, who he married on October 24, 1981.  Three years later they moved to Prince Albert.  Ivan worked in the furniture business in P.A. for a few years and then had the opportunity to purchase the Home Hardware Store in La Ronge and at that time, they decided to relocate.  They have owned and managed the store for the past 28 years.  Even after Ivan was in a wheelchair, it gave him purpose and pleasure to be able to go to the store to interact and joke with their staff and customers.  His sharp, intuitive mind enabled him to operate a successful business with Rita by his side.  Ivan’s vast range of expertise provided him the opportunity to give his opinion (right or wrong) and whether asked for or not.

Ivan and Rita enjoyed the game of golf and travelled to various courses across the country.  Ivan loved the game and also took great pride in sharing his knowledge.  They also enjoyed fishing together and Ivan had a special touch to make the fish bite (Dead-man walking was the technique he told everyone that he used).

Rita and Ivan shared thirty-four wonderful years together despite the challenges they faced with his MS.

A Celebration of Ivan’s Life will be held on September 6th at Eagle Point Golf Course in La Ronge at 1:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following charities: 

MS Society SK Division, Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan or Parkinson’s Society of Canada

Interment will follow at a later date at The Columbarium, St. John’s Cathedral in Saskatoon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lac La Ronge Funeral Home.

• Date : 2015-08-29
• Location : La Ronge, Saskatchewan