July 26, 1929 - January 16, 2021
van LaVern Suess was born in Alberta, Canada on July 26, 1929, to Edwin and Freda Suess (Hildenbrand). His lifelong proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ became his reality on January 16, 2021, with his wife of nearly 67 years, Wilda Suess holding his hand. Ivan had battled with Congestive Heart Failure and Pneumonia for several months and died at age 91.
His family moved to Lodi, California in 1941 where he attended local schools and graduated from Lodi High School in 1947. Ivan attended Delta College of Stockton, CA and Bethany Bible College of San Francisco, CA. Ivan began a life-time of service by enlisting in the Air Force in 1950. During that time he met the love of his life Wilda Drost, a nursing student in Bangor, Maine and they were married in 1954, following his honorable discharge.
Ivan is survived by his wife, Wilda Suess, two sons Kerry (Tammy) Suess, Kevin (Vanessa) Suess; grandchildren Christopher (Sidra) Suess, Kyle (Anna) Suess, Evan Suess, Ian Suess, Ryan Clem, Haley (Brett) Felkins; great grandchildren, Saliha Suess and Aiza Suess. Ivan is also survived by his brothers Kelly (Calvin) Suess of Lodi and Virgil Suess of Florida. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.
Ivan began his working career for the RCA - Victor Company from 1955 - 1964. He then opened Ivan's Clothing for Boys, which he owned and operated from 1964 - 1978. Ivan obtained his real estate license and began his real estate career in 1978, as an agent with Katzakian & Schaffer Realtors and secured his Real Estate Brokers License in 1982. In 1983 he formed a partnership with Ben Schaffer and Ken Boyd called Schaffer Suess & Boyd Realtors.
He later partnered with Randy Snider as SSB Realtors and became the largest real estate firm based solely in Lodi with over 60 agents at one time. Ivan and Randy eventually sold their business in 2006. Although since semi-retired Ivan still served on a number of local boards and committees. Ivan loved Lodi and has a history of service and dedication to the community.
He served his Savior through his contributions to several local churches, Century Assembly, Radiant Life, and Vinewood Community. He also organized and co-led community HymnSings in his later years. Ivan shared his talents in many capacities as a song leader, playing the trumpet and tuba, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, mentor and counselor to many. He was the Master of Ceremonies at many weddings and was always willing to serve others. He was very generous with his time, resources and had many friends.
There is no way to document all of his contributions. Lodi District Chamber of Commerce Past President; Tokay High School Bond Election, Co – Chairman with Kelly Suess; Lodi Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors; Lodi Boosters of Boys Sports Board of Directors; San Joaquin County United Way Regional Chairman; Lodi Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award; Salvation Army Board of Directors; California State Auto Association Board of Directors; California Association of Realtors; Regional Vice President; Hutchins Street Square Board of Directors Charter Member; Lodi Association of Realtors Hall of Fame; Lodi Community Hall of Fame; LOEL Foundation Past President and Board Member.
A Public Viewing will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, Vineyard Chapel from 9am – 12 pm on Thursday January 28, 2021 with interment service for family at 1 pm in The Chapel of Flowers.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Community Church at 1 pm, Saturday February 6, 2021. A Live Stream will be available at www.FaithLodi.org/watchnow
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be sent to the LOEL Center of Lodi.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Suess family.