Ivan Charles

Ivan Earl Charles, 85, passed away July 26, 2022, in the Power County Hospital in American Falls, Idaho.  Ivan was born July 24, 1937, in American Falls, Idaho.  He was the second child of Earl Owen Charles and Leona Faye Blenz. 

He attended school and graduated from American Falls High School in 1956. He attended Idaho State College where he studied Diesel Mechanics. Ivan worked for his Uncle Carl and Aunt Barbara Ringe on their farm in Roy and also for his Uncle Melvin and Aunt Margaret Nelson in Rockland.

He began working for Power County Highway District in 1959, and when he retired in 2002, he was the foreman for the Rockland crew.  Over his career of nearly half a century, he was responsible for the construction and upgrading of all of the roads in Rockland Valley.  He also perfected the use of magnesium chloride as a dust/weed and washboard preventative.  “You have to do it, to learn it.” Ivan always enjoyed experimenting with new things. 

Ivan married Vivian Morris on June 15, 1973 and together they ran a farm and ranch where they maintained a 50-head cow-calf operation and also cared for enough horses, dogs, cats, geese, chickens and goats to make Dr. Doolittle feel like a city-slicker.

With his lifelong best friend Darrell Quinn and Ivan had many many adventures. They were avid outdoorsmen and never missed an opening day of fishing or their annual elk hunt.  Although they sometimes never caught or shot much, they always had fun!

Ivan is survived by his loving wife Vivian, one niece, Rhonda Price of Idaho Falls, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Carol Robison.

Graveside services will be held Monday, August 1, 2022 at 11:00 at the Fallsview Cemetery in American Falls.  At Ivan’s request, no visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Bannock County Humane Society, 850 Barton Rd., Pocatello, ID 83204, (208)232-0371, bannockhumanesociety.org

Blessed be the memory of Ivan Earl Charles!

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