"My thoughts and prayers. I didn't know Mr. Slain, but I enjoyed my few trips to his establishment. I'm sure he is watching over the many good folks of Ivanhoe's..."
In loving memory of
Ivan L. Slain
November 10, 1932 - April 29, 2012
Ivan L. Slain, 79, passed away at 7:40 a.m. Sunday at home following a lengthy illness. He was born in Blackford County the son of the late Ormal and Zelma (Vance) Slain. Ivan was an Army veteran serving from 1952 to 1955. He married Carol Ballinger on June 17, 1953 in Upland. He along with his wife, Carol, was the owner and operator of Ivanhoe's in Upland since 1965 to the present. He was a member of the American Legion and the Upland Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carol; a son, Mark (Evelyn) Slain, Upland; grandchildren, Heath and Sarah Slain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Arnold and Virgil. Memorials may be made to Family Hospice Palliative Care, 705 S. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46953. Celebration of Life: 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana Visitation: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St. Upland, Indiana Officiating: Rev. Tom Mansbarger Interment: Olive Branch Cemetery, Matthews, Indiana
Tributes
"Carol and Mark, My heartfelt sympathy to both of you during this difficult time. I have many, many memories of trips to Ivanhoe's. Whenever I meet someone who says they're not sure where Upland is, all I have to do is say "Ivanhoe's" and then they know! Rest assured Ivan is in a better place and is healed. May God Bless and Keep You, Nancy Bragg"
"Dear Carol and Family Saddened to hear of Ivan's passing and his lenghty illness. You haveE all been in my thoughts the last couple of days, remembering all the kindness. Ivan was a gentle giant."
"Carol & Mark, So sorry to hear of this news. I, along with many others, have childhood memories that include fond memories of Ivanhoe's. I also remember all of those New Year's Eve parties that the Slains, Hiatts, Dulings, and Harrisons spent together. Ivan touched so many lives in the Upland community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Melissa (Hiatt) Eitzen"
"I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Linda Tudor"
"Carol and Mark, Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. Ivan was a wonderful man. May God grant you His peace and grace at this difficult time."
"My deepest sympathies to the Slain family. Ivan was such a positive role model in the Upland community. He was always willing to help those in need, and has touched so many lives across several generations. You will not be forgotten, Ivan. Respectfully, Wayne Ice (1988 - 1990)"
"Dear Carol and Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of time spent working at Ivanhoe's! Ivan was always so kind to me! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both at this difficult time."
"We send our deepest sympathy to the Slain family and want to thank them for the wonderful contribution they have made to the community and to Taylor University over the years. We have spent many happy times as a family at Ivanhoe's and have enjoyed seeing how the decor changed over the years. May your hearts be comforted by the Lord during these days. --Joyce and Larry Helyer"
"Many great years working for you both, left me with a great work ethic. Ivan might not have had much to say, but when he did talk, people paid attention. One funny thing that sticks in my mind is him telling an employee "you aren't a real man if you don't drive a truck and carry a pocket knife." Ivan was indeed a real man, a good person, a great employer. He will be truly missed."
"Oh I'm so sorry, but know that coming back to Upland and knowing that Ivanhoe's was there and always would be has always been a comfort to those of us who have moved away. Thank you to your entire family who have made such an impact on all of us from the area."
"I am unable to make it to the services tomorrow but will be thinking and praying for the whole family! I had the pleasure to be part of the Ivanhoes family from 2003 to 2006 and also rented a house from Carol and Ivan for 2 years. I am so sad to hear of Ivans passing but will be praying for strength for the family!"
"My prayers are with you, Carol and Mark. Ivan will always be remembered as a great man."
"So many memories of a strong, quiet man with a heart of gold. The impact of working at Ivanhoe's during my high school years can never be measured. The acceptance, affirmation and encouragement I received from you (Carol and Ivan) are a part of who I am every day of my life. Thank you for being great employers and "parents"! Thanks, Mark, for sharing your mom and dad with so many people throughout your life. You are your father's legacy. My heart is breaking for the earthly loss of one we all loved."
"Our family would like to send our thoughts and prayers. Ivan was a good man and will be missed."
"carol aand family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. george and barbara (owen) brown cape canaveral, florida"
"My deepest sympathy...What wonderful memories of Ivanhoe's, Upland and the Slain family. My heart is broken."
"I have never met Ivan but feel like I have lost a close family friend. Having family in the Upland, Fairmount Marion area I have made Ivanhoes a place take we always visit each time we are in the area. My family was on a cruise in Alaska and meet a man from as he put it "central Indiana".I asked him where and he said from a small town I would have heard of. He told me Upland and I imediately asked him how far he lived from Ivanhoes. We had met a friend we didn't know we had because of our connection with Ivanhoes. We will be praying for your family. Phil"
"Prayers to your family and sorry for your loss. Your family is a legendary in the community. I live in Texas and when I visit my mother Hope Warren Fleming in Hartford City we always stop in for ice cream. My young adult boys ask for the ice cream when they visit also. Kathy Warren Saccone"
"I am so sorry to read of the passing of Ivan. We loved Ivanhoes when coming to Upland as Taylor parents. It took on a more meaningful spot in our hearts when we got acquainted with Ivan and Carol 16 years ago when we moved to Taylor. We are so grateful for the commitment to excellence displayed by Ivan and the entire organization. Carol and family please know we are praying for you as you go through this difficult time."
"Carol, Mark and family, we are very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers - asking for peace and strength in this difficult time."
"Carol and Mark, my thoughts are with you both at this time. Ivan was a great man and a very kind boss. He will be missed a lot by many."
"Our sincere sympathy to your family."