Ivan W. Whiteside

Ivan Whiteside, age 92 of Greenfield, IN passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, November 18, 2016 at SpringHurst Health Campus in Greenfield. He was born on August 4, 1924 into a loving farming family to the late Horace & Bertha (Harting) Whiteside. He was close all through his life to his older sibling and only brother, Donald Whiteside as was he to his younger sibling and only sister Arnella (Bob) Bragdon both of which proceeded him in death within the last seven years. Ivan graduated from Mt. Comfort High School. He met the love of his life, Opal (Witte) while they were both high school seniors working at Buckleys Restaurant in Cumberland. The married each other on August 31, 1942 and enjoyed life together until Opals death on June 24, 1995. In November of 1943 they were preceded in death by their first born infant son, Lester Lee Whiteside. As to be expected, especially Ivan took this loss deeply. It was many years later before a daughter, Loretta (Chris) Goff; followed by a son, Larry (Carol) Whiteside; and another daughter Rhonda (Bill) Knarr were born and replaced their grief with love & joy by providing them with a family he loved & cherished his whole life. Ivan tried to enlist in the service during WWII, however this action revealed a health issue making him unable to serve giving him a medical deferment. The Civil Service at that time, thus, could lineup employment for both him & Opal to work in the shipyards in San Vallejo, CA where they worked every day for 18 months. Upon returning to Indiana at that time, Ivan began farming. In being a farmer he had many helpful skills that aided him in the day to day needs of a farmer, such as: welding, construction, repair/maintenance work, and mechanical abilities. He loved being hospitable & making those feel welcome in his home. He had many wonderful traits; his 8 married grandchildren; Holly; Heather; Eric; Titus; John; Travis; Sara; & Josh witnessed firsthand throughout their visits with him. We all witnessed his examples of Hard work, Importance of attending church (He was sitting in a worship service only a week & a half prior to his death) How he loved people, how he adored children & animals. Always ready to help a stranger or neighbor, and never failed to care or be kind to others. He enjoyed teasing & laughter with those around him even those he just met. We as a family cannot express in words how much we appreciate the SpringHurst Health Facility, especially all the nurses who truly could not have been more kind, caring & compassionate to him as they took care of him through his final days. Ivan was a very loving, giving, kind father. For those who knew him, he was short in stature-a picture image of his own father but made up for that in a large way in so many other qualities. We will always remember him & use those qualities as we tell others of his legacy & as we as a family teach & train his 22 great & step great-grandchildren in their lives ahead. Ivan was greatly loved & will be sorely missed. Pastor Steve Rayburn officiated the private service for the family. Burial was held at St. John United Church of Christ Cemetery in Cumberland. Arrangements were entrusted to Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel of Greenfield. 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140.