Ivan Clyde Vieth, 94, of Middleton, Wis., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at University of Wisconsin Hospital, surrounded by loving family. He was born Nov. 19, 1929, in Norwalk, Wis., the son of Harry and Verna (Hubbard) Vieth.
Ivan graduated from Norwalk High School in 1947. He was united in marriage to Shirley Huber on June 4, 1949, in Norwalk. Ivan began as a dairy farmer on the family farm in Spring Valley near Norwalk. In 1954, polio altered the course of his life. Adapting to his physical changes, his career pursuits centered on his desire to create better lives for youth in his community. His roles included helping disadvantaged and troubled youth at the Wisconsin Child Center in Sparta and later working to ensure the safety of children in family daycare settings throughout southwestern Wisconsin. He retired from the Department of Health and Human Services in March 1995.
Ivan enjoyed many adventures. As a youth, he attended a Tommy Dorsey concert in Chicago, leading to an appreciation for big band music throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing baseball. When he was no longer able to play, he was a fan, closely following the Milwaukee Brewers. He and Shirley traveled extensively, including many station wagon road trips throughout the United States with family, and later excursions to Europe, Australia and Asia. Ivan’s family marveled at his recollection of the details of his travels and the sharpness of his memory throughout his life.
Born and raised on a scenic dairy farm, Ivan had a lasting admiration for the farming lifestyle and an appreciation of nature, including the many birds that visited his feeders. Ivan was a kind and patient man. He demonstrated that patience in calmly helping many kids learn to waterski. He and Shirley were very engaged with the lives of their children and grandchildren and were familiar faces at their school programs, sporting events, and birthday parties. When great-grandchildren came along, Ivan, known to them as “Great Bapa,” was wonderfully interested in those additions to the family.
Ivan is survived by his children, Mary (Douglas) Yellick, Nancy (William) Waterbury and David (Amy) Vieth; his grandchildren, Christopher (Anne) Yellick, Jason (Emily) Yellick, Michael (Kaila) Vieth and Kristen (Alex) Seguin; and his great-grandchildren, Everly Yellick, Clara Yellick, Theodore Yellick, Sawyer Vieth, Caleb Seguin and Allie Seguin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, Harry and Verna; his brother, Howard (Esther) Vieth; his sister, Myrtle (Gene) Griffin; and Shirley’s brothers, Norbert, Gervis, and Lloyd.
Ivan had several special caregivers over the last few years who added significantly to his quality of life, and he greatly appreciated those relationships.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Friday, June 14. A visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A private burial will take place on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery, c/o Salem United Methodist Church, 25438 County Hwy. T, Norwalk, WI 54648, or Doctors Without Borders. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
