Ivan returned to the family farm in Iowa. During a car trip to Burlington he met his future wife Shirley Brunken at the local root beer stand. After a fairly short courtship, Ivan and Shirley were married on June 20th, 1947 at the home of Shirley's parents. After a honeymoon to Wisconsin Dells, the newlyweds returned to the Burlington area for a time where Ivan was employed at Murray Iron Works. They later returned to the New London family farm when his parents moved to town. Stephen was born in 1950; Kent in 1957; the family moved into New London to the house they would live in across from the high school for over 60 years. Ivan gained employment at the New London Farmer's Co-op where he operated the grain mill for over 37 years, becoming a rather iconic figure to the local farmers, retiring in 1987. Ivan assisted his wife Shirley who babysat children their whole married life. He had a profound effect on the lives and values of the children. He also drove cars for local dealers transferring them from different locations. He loved being behind the wheel of a car. Ivan was a craftsman, making many different things, from shelves, to pouring foundations and sidewalks. He constructed two go-carts from scratch for his boys. He cared more about his family than himself and made himself available helping neighbors with projects they couldn't do themselves. Despite his somewhat tough façade, Ivan remained a gentle soul throughout his life. He enjoyed travel and made many road trips to Arizona, Chicago and Cedar Falls over the years to visit his beloved family. Ivan loved a good hamburger and was a life-long fan of professional wrestling. He loved his wife more than himself and when she fell ill, this was the eventual downfall of him. Ivan was of the Nazarene faith and served on the usher team at the First Church of the Nazarene in Burlington. He had faith in the grace of God and the power of Jesus and is currently celebrating in Heaven with Shirley and his other family members. Survivors include two sons; Stephen (Phyllis) Hunter of Cedar Falls; Kent (Lorrie) Hunter of Calimesa, California; two grandsons, David Hunter of Cedar Falls and Christian Hunter of Glendale, California; and great-granddaughter, Agustina Josefa Hunter Hiriart of Santiago, Chile. Besides his wife, Shirley Ann, and his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Virginia (Mike) Williams, Idell (Bob) Hamill, and Delvin (Gertrude) Hunter. The service for Mr. Ivan Hunter will be held at 2:00 September 8, 2018 at Elliott Chapel with Pastor David Mixon officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:00 until the time of the service. Inurnment for Ivan and Shirley Hunter will follow at Burge Cemetery. Military rites will be presented by Henry County Honor Guard. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for New London Fire and Rescue.