Ivan F. Nohavica

Ivan Nohavica was a good man. I am on my next journey empty-handed. There is nothing I need to bring with me except the love of those who loved me and warmth of those who cared. - Warren Hanson Ivan began his next journey on Thursday, March 8, 2018, with his beloved Helga by his side, after a long and valiant fight against cancer. Ivan was a kind and gentle man of few words. He lived his life with the highest level of integrity and was an honorable person. Ivan was a man of monumental patience and treated everyone with respect and dignity. Ivan found peace and contentment when he was out in nature. Whether he was camping in the woods, hiking, taking a walk along the beach or simply taking care of his yard, he had a deep and abiding respect for the earth and loved being outdoors . Because of his love for nature, Ivan enjoyed spending many hours on lakes fishing, which became a life-long passion. Ivan fished lakes near and far and became an active conservationist, working to keep area rivers and waterways clean. Ivan was a member of Trout Unlimited and acted as the treasurer for the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. Ivan was never more content than when he was foraging through the brush in Northern Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula to find the perfect spot to trout fish or when he was pan fishing on Rolling Stone Lake. Ivan was born on November 13, 1942, in Cicero, Illinois. Ivan was a member of the United States Military and served in the Vietnam War. He obtained a Masters Degree in Accounting, which he used throughout his professional career. Ivan loved to learn and gain knowledge in most any area that interested him, and he was an avid reader throughout his life. Ivans greatest love was his family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and uncle. Ivan was also a loyal friend to many and had cherished friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. Per Ivans wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. Perhaps the best tribute to Ivan would be to spend some time in nature. This summer, when the sun is shining, the flowers are in bloom and nature is at her fullest, Ivans ashes will be buried at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, the family burial site. When the blood in your veins returns to the sea, And the Earth in your bones returns to the ground, Perhaps then you will remember that this land does not belong to you, It is You who belong to this land. -Chief Sitting Bull Treat the earth well: It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children. -Chief George