Ivan E. Hertle, 90, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Akron City Hospital.
Ivan was born on February 14, 1921 in Warwick, Ohio (now Clinton, Ohio). He moved to Akron in 1939. He graduated from Clinton High School and then from the University of Akron where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Ivan worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for 39 years and was the power plant manager for 20 years.
Ivan was generous with his time and talents. He was a scoutmaster of Akron’s Boy Scout troop 53 for 20 years and he earned the Silver Beaver award. He was an active member at Christ United Methodist Church, a steadfast Mobil Meals volunteer for over 25 years, a regular blood donor and a member of the Akron Men’s Garden Club (GOGA).
Ivan served in the U.S. Navy for two years during World War II. He was an officer in the crew of the USS Dickerson when She was sunk off Okinawa in April, 1949. In March 2010 he was fortunate to be a participant in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Ivan was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. His loving wife, Elizabeth (Beth) preceded him in death in October, 2009. He is survived by son, Richard (Peggy) from Stow, Ohio; daughter, Beverly from Urbana, Ill., daughter, Gail (Jerry) Hawkins from Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Michael Rennie, Gwyn Vogt, Scott Hertle, Christine Hartshorne, David Hertle, Marc Zollinger and Jana Zollinger, and nine great- grandchildren.
Ivan has been described by his family and friends as a “true gentleman,’ and a “generous, caring, trustworthy’ human being. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 380 Mineloa Ave., Akron, OH 44320, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011, with Rev. Ben J. Black III officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mobil Meals, 1063 S. Broadway, Akron, OH 44311, or to Christ United Methodist Church.