Ivan L. Mellinger

Ivan L. Mellinger, 71, of Hinkletown, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Born in Ephrata, he was the son of the late Ivan S. and Sarah W. Mellinger. He was the husband of 51 years of JoAnn Mellinger.

Ivan proudly served his country in Vietnam as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He retired after a lifelong career of 37 years working at New Holland Agriculture (formerly Sperry New Holland) retiring as the Manager of the Service Parts division. Ivan was a member of the Leola United Methodist Church where, as a faithful servant, he sat on many committees. He was also an usher for a number of years, filling the role of head usher for a time. Ivan enjoyed farming and gardening, especially tending to his many varied fruit and nut trees. He always looked forward to his annual deer hunting trip with his sons and grandson. Ivan and JoAnn loved to travel. He was proud to say that he had visited all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Ivan loved to support his children and grandchildren in their many sporting events, concerts, and other activities whether in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or any other state they traveled to. He served for years on local Athletic Boards, Booster Clubs, and Parents Clubs all in support of his children. He instilled that love of volunteering and coaching in each of his children as they continued his legacy.

Surviving in addition to his wife, JoAnn, are his sons, and daughters-in-law, Randy L., husband of Lucinda L. of New Holland, Sherrie D., widow of Bryan J. of Morrisville, NC, Jared L., husband of Michelle L. of Lancaster; 6 grandchildren, Cody A. and Brady C. of New Holland, Emily M. and Rachel E. of Morrisville, NC, and Lexi J. and Olivia J. of Lancaster; a sister, Dorothy J. Hiester, wife of Donald of Ephrata, and a brother, Chester R. Mellinger of Tucson, AZ. He was preceded in death by a son Bryan J. of Morrisville, NC, and a brother Harold L. of Ephrata.

Family and friends are invited to attend services for Ivan. A viewing will be held at Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St. New Holland, PA on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00. The funeral service will be held at Leola United Methodist Church, 7 West Main St. Leola, PA on May 11, 2016 at 10:00 am with a visitation time from 9:00 – 10:00. Interment will follow at the New Holland Mennonite Cemetery.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made in Ivan’s memory to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.