Dr. Nicholas J. Ivan, was born on May 15, 1944 in Midland, son of the late Joseph Ivan and Mary Alice (Bailey) Ivan Ode. He attended Midland High School, playing football and baseball and was a member of the band and student council. He graduated in 1962.Dr. Ivan then attended Alma College where he played football and graduated cum laude with a degree in Chemistry. He then attended the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1969 as a Doctor of Medicine.
Dr. Ivan married the former Karen Larson on July 20, 1974, having met her while serving his residency at Borgess and Bronson Hospitals in Kalamazoo. In 1977, Dr. Ivan joined the Rush Orthopaedic Clinic in Midland and served as Chief of Surgery from 1989-1991 at MidMichigan Regional Medical Center. In 1992, he and his family moved to Longmont, Colorado where he practiced orthopaedic surgery at the Longmont Clinic until 1995. Dr. Ivan then moved to Greenville, Michigan and practiced orthopaedics at the Greenville United Memorial Hospital for two years before moving back to Midland in 1997, where he practiced orthopaedic surgery until his death.
Dr. Ivan was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Michigan State Medical Society, and served as President of the Midland County Medical Society in 1991. He served as a team physician at Midland High School for 15 years, was a member of the Midland Country Club, and the Michigan Alumni "M" Club. Dr. Ivan was an avid golfer, downhill skier, fisherman, and bird watcher, but most importantly, he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Dr. Ivan unexpectedly passed away on July 9, 2000 while golfing with his family. He was survived by his wife Karen; children, William Ivan of Los Angeles, CA, Lori Ivan, Matthew Ivan, and Lisa Ivan, all of Midland; seven brothers, Patrick (Margaret) Ivan of Bay City, Michael (Betty) Ivan of Perry, MI, Daniel (Judy) Ivan of Phoenix, AZ, Thomas (Michele) Ivan, Philip (Carol) Ivan, Richard (Sandra) Ivan, all of Midland, and Robert (Karen) Ivan of Lakeview, MI; father-in-law Roland Larson of Spring Lake, MI; sisters-in-law, Virginia (John) Reifel of Spring Lake, MI, Barbara Larson of Grand Rapids, MI, and Marjorie Ivan of Houston, TX; and step-father Howard Ode of Midland.
Funeral services for Dr. Ivan took place Friday, July 14, 2000 at the Memorial Presbyterian Church. Reverend Steven Thomas officiated with burial in Midland City Cemetery.