Ivan Frederick Aney

Ivan left this world too suddenly on July 15, 2016, at DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born on February 9, 2000, in Amvrosijivka, Ukraine and adopted at the age of 18 months. Ivan had recently finished the 9th grade while residing at D.A. Blodgett St. John’s Home in Grand Rapids. He was previously a student at Beal City High School where he was an outstanding trumpet player in the band and founder of the Chess Club. Despite a hearing impairment, Ivan had a remarkable ear for music and could play pieces by memory on the trumpet, piano or guitar after hearing them. Some of his other passions included taking apart anything he could get his hands on just to see how it worked, fishing, swimming, boating, and tinkering with his bicycles and go-cart. He was fascinated by computers and enjoyed updating them for family and friends. He also volunteered at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Weidman, Michigan where he learned stewardship and a solid work ethic.

Ivan was loved and admired by his immediate family, grandparents, 30 first cousins, 17 aunts and uncles, friends, neighbors, and classmates. The family is grateful to the staff at Hunting House, D.A. Blodgett St. John’s for their care and mentorship. Ivan is survived by his mother Judith A. Steffke, sister Nickole Hines, brother Brian Hines, sister Maryska Aney, nephew Jude Lee, and beloved grandparents Fred and Florence Steffke.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City on Wednesday, July 20th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, July 21st, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Service. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21st, also at St. Joseph’s with Fr. Ricky Varner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Beal City High School Band or to the pending scholarship fund in Ivan’s name at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Weidman.