Ivan (Ivy) W. Wartzok age 91 passed away August 16, 2021 after a brief stay at the Memory Care Unit of Maplewood Sauk Prairie from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. Ivan was born on June 23, 1930 in Madison, Wisconsin son of the late Laura M. (Schaefer) and Ivan P. Wartzok. Ivy joined the United States Navy and served from 1952-1955. He was stationed at Chincoteague, Virginia, on-board the USS Siboney, Port Lyautey in Kenitra, Morocco, AND some places we could never know about! When Ivy was discharged from the Navy he met Ellen Caflisch on June 1, 1955. He proposed that same year on August 6th. Ivan & Ellen were married April 7, 1956.

Ivy was employed at the Prairie du Sac Dam until he was offered a position at the Sauk City Post Office. He was a clerk, then a Postal Mail Carrier for 32 ½ years. During that time he claimed his route distance was equivalent to him walking to California and back TWICE! He retired in 1985.

Ivy enjoyed family, hunting, fishing, "picking morels", golfing, and drives in the Sauk Marsh. Duck hunting was his favorite. Ivy was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited. He was approached and asked to establish a chapter in this area. He accepted the challenge and formed a chapter known as the Blackhawk Chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Roxbury, Wisconsin.

Above all he loved his family and was a great provider. He always had time to teach his children life lessons, about the outdoors, and how to be strong. Many lessons were learned by taking his family for a drive in the country and teaching them how to fish and hunt.

As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he made time to attend activities and events the kids participated in. He loved visits from all of the kids and grandchildren. He loved food and sharing it with others.

Ivan was a grand storyteller. His experiences and knowledge were passed on to any and all who would listen. Ivy mentored many friends and family members. He shared his knowledge willingly. Ivy had few enemies and spent his later years sitting in his chair at home watching his birdfeeders, flowers, and waving at all who passed by.

The last eight years he was able to be at home. Ivan had a long and good life and will be missed by many.

Ivan is survived by Ellen Wartzok, his wife of 65 years;

Children; Melody Walsh (Randy), Julie Wartzok, Sandra (Jeff) Weinke, Oscar Wartzok, Peggy Jo (James) Brown;

Grandchildren; Jason Kippley (Kellie), Joshua Wartzok (Anca), Andrew Grossmann (Ashley), Melissa Wartzok, Dan (Brittany) Walsh, Whitney Ballweg, Amanda Jo (Shawn) Kotecki, Bradley Wartzok, Christina Weinke, Ella (Jerod) Meyer, Robert Weinke

Great Grandchildren; Laura, PJ, Ian, Lyla, Damian, Ayla, Dylan (Sydni), Aleksa, Coltyn, Jakob, Sophie, Evan, Jaxson, Finley, Brayden, Owen, Sutton, Maverick, Clara Ivy.

Siblings; James Wartzok, Rodney (Mary) Wartzok, Ronald (Sandra) Wartzok, Laurlin (Michael) Jacobs

Sister-in-laws; Deanna (Frank) Haselwander, Kathy (Brian) Gardner

Uncle;Maurice Schaefer

Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Military Service will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Cassell Cemetery in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Following the interment there will be a gathering to celebrate Ivy's life at Marion Park shelter in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Pets not allowed.

In lieu of flowers, Ivan's family encourages you to take your loved ones for a walk in nature. Teach them about the flora and fauna, teach them how to fish, teach them how to hunt, and teach them how to be good land stewards. Create memories and tell your stories. This would be Ivy Wartzok's greatest legacy.