Ivan D. Alabaugh
July 1, 1934 ~ December 26, 2020
Born in: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Ivan D. Alabaugh, 86, of Franklin, passed away in the morning of Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Sugar Creek Station.Born July 1, 1934 in Oil City, he was the son of the late Norman and Matilda (Renninger) Alabaugh. He was a graduate of Cranberry High School.On September 7, 1963, he was married to the former Mary E. Hiles; she preceded him in death in 2017.Throughout his life, Ivan worked many positions with National Fuel Gas beginning in 1954 as a Meter Reader, and working his way up to also being a serviceman, equipment operator, distribution plant operator in Chicora, and, at the time of his retirement, a sub-foreman. He later became a bus driver for Lepley's.Gifted with a love of music, Ivan was known by many as a wonderful showman. He was a part of numerous western bands, most notably the Country Gospel and the Hootenanny, where he was a lead singer, played guitar, and piano, and performed several times at Sugar Creek Station. Never missing a beat, he also was the caller for many square dances for the local area.A kind and compassionate soul, Ivan also enjoyed the simpler things in life, like tending to his gardens, hunting, and spending time with those he cared about. With an infectious smile, Ivan made it his goal in life to bring joy and smiles to others, making many friends throughout his life. His smile and big heart touched many in the community and he will be forever missed by all who knew him.Left to cherish his memory is his son, Gerry Wike and his wife, Jolene, of Hawaii; his two daughters, Diane Kachik and her husband, Albert, and Connie Westfall and her husband, Bill, both of Franklin; his five grandchildren, Amy Hosack of Falls Creek, PA, Gary Spence and Russell Spence, both of Texas, Shawn Nolan and his wife, Michele, of Butler, and Shane Nolan and his wife, Amanda, of Chicora; and his numerous great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents and wife, Ivan was preceded in death by his two sons, Ivan Wike, and Jeff Hosack; his three brothers, Norman, Glenn, and Frank Alabaugh; and by his two sisters, Rosie Tarr, and Vera Shepard.Funeral services for Ivan will be held privately for the family, with Reverend Glenn Walker, pastor of the Donation Hill Bible Church, officiating.A livestream of Ivan's funeral service will be broadcast on the funeral home's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gardinierfuneralhome beginning at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. For those that wish to receive a notification when the services begin, it is recommended that intended watchers "Like" the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc.'s Facebook page for any updates.The funeral home will have social distancing protocols in place and strongly recommends those who are attending to wear masks. We respectfully ask if you feel sick or have other health conditions to stay home and watch the livestream.Ivan will be laid to rest in Lamey Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Donation Hill Bible Church, 965 Donation Hill Road, Cochranton, PA 16314.To send cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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Connie and Diane my thought and prayers to you. He is finally home with God and out of pain. He is singing and playing his guitar for Jesus now.
I always enjoyed conversation with Ivan and definitely enjoyed the music. I know that he is playing guitar and singing to his beloved Mary????
oh sorry sorry for your lost May thoughts and Prayers are with you all
Sorry for your loss ,, Ivan was a really good man , he was a good friend to our family and he’ll be greatly missed.. my deepest condolences to the family.
R.I.P. Uncle Ivan… you will be greatly missed! Love you
We are sending our deepest condolences to Ivan’s family. Jim played music with Ivan for many years. Enjoyed the time we shared together. He was a very kind person. Always made you feel at home. Rest in Peace Ivan. Play music for the Angels and God.
Ivan will be missed greatly by all of us at SCS.
Awe sure will miss him! Great man!! Loved talking with him!! Hugs and prayers!!!
My deepest sympathy to his family i have so many fond memories of square dancing to him for yrs what a great guy
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends
R.I.P. Uncle Ivan
Dad and I had little time together in person, but he and Mom visited my family in Hawaii on 3 occasions. Dad got lost once while we were hunting wild boar at a ranch in Kona. I called some of the cowboys from the ranch to help search for Dad on horseback. Nightfall came but after several hours Dad walked out on his own right back to my truck. With that big grin of his Dad removed his ballcap and told me what a great hike that had been. Mom was never worried saying Dad knew his way in the outdoors. Mom was right but my wife Jolene was a wreck until he was back home safely. When she saw Dad she cried, gave him a big hug and then smacked him on his shoulder telling him don’t ever do that again. Dad grinned and laughed saying it was just a walk in the woods. Dad also caught a 300 pound marlin while we were on a fishing trip. I had to hold him by his belt as he fought the fish for almost one hour from the side of the 19 foot boat we were on. A picture of Dad and the marlin he caught made the local newspaper in Franklin. I came back home to Pennsylvania once and spent a week with Mom & Dad, and met my family members during my visit. My father was truly blessed with a wonderful loving family, and I thank our Lord for the love they gave to him. Mahalo Connie for loving Dad so much and caring for him as you have done. Dad, your now at home with our Lord and family members in heaven. Your always in my heart. I love you; Aloha Dad.
Although I had very little time with you Dad, the time we shared I will always have in my heart. Your now forever reunited with our family in heaven.
A wonderful man that I loved getting to see when I got to the hall he was staying in. He usually would be right there, kicking back and relaxing, with a big smile. He loved to sing, and it was wonderful to hear him sing Christian worship songs, even singing along. Up and at em, not a stagnant person, making his rounds, and greeting. I’m gonna miss him definitely. ???????? Prayers and condolences to family, friends, for caretakers, Church family and community that got to be with him, love on him, as he loved on others around him. Jesus is His His Heavenly Savior. Now to sing and grin forever in The Beloved One’s Presence. Healing Hand, may You touch the family and all in this time. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!????
I have so many memories! I know dad considered him his best friend. Dad would tell me stories of their antics together. I’m sure my mom and Aunt Mary rolled their eyes on many, many occasions. Uncle Ike made everyone feel like they were the most special and we always felt safe and protected around him. He was such a strong, gentle man. I will always cherish the memories of the dances I went to with the family to hear him sing. I love him so much. Another piece of my heart has gone to heaven.
Great man that I had the pleasure of meeting as a young boy. He always brought a smile to my face – the memories still do! Now that I’m in my 30s, I have a greater appreciation for the love of both his wife and of Christ that he consistently displayed. Thankful to have known him!
Family and Friends of Ivan D. Alabaugh, May God comfort and support you in the time of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1 -3 God Bless and Keep You, Lou and Susan Slautterback
R.I.P Uncle Ivan you were our favorite Uncle up. We loved your singing. The one thing that I loved was your spit tune love David
I want to Thank every one who wrote a kind word or memory of Dad. Our family all thought it was a wonderful service , so Thank you to all at Gardiniers and to Rev. Glenn Walker. You made a very sad day into a peaceful day to say goodbye to Dad.