Obituary of Ivan Tennis

Ivan Cecil Tennis was born at home near Ferintosh May 22, 1922, the third child of six children of Olga and John Tennis. He attended Star School where he excelled in his studies. He spent the next years working on the family farm and in 1941 bought the adjoining land. He married Emma, the love of his life, June 28, 1946 and together they "moved to our first little home in July with high hopes and little money or anything else". Together they built a successful farming operation where they raised their five children. Failing health forced semi-retirement in 1977. In 1980, they moved to their new home in Camrose. In 1993, a newly built Hillside condominium became their home. In 2008, they returned to Wetaskiwin to Sunrise Village. During those years, Ivan was very active in the community and his church, serving on the boards of the Good Shepherd Home and the Camrose Museum and many other committees. He was an original member of the Golden Tones. Most of all, he loved the outdoors, especially the land he retained at Red Deer Lake. His many interests included photography, hunting, fishing, taxidermy, music, travel, antiques preserving history, hockey, and growing things. But his family that now includes thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren was always the closest to his heart. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. from Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Don Bolstad officiating. Interment followed in the Calvary Lutheran Svea Church Cemetery. (Wetaskiwin County) If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Messiah Lutheran Church, CLBI, or the charity of one's choice.