Obituary of Ivan R. Elsner

Ivan Ray Elsner died peacefully in his Tigard home with family near on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Son of the late Fritz and Louise Elsner, beloved husband for 71 years to Edith (Bradley), and dedicated father to Shirlee Elsner and Lucinda Wiebe (John) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by two grandsons; William Wiebe and Dylan Wiebe of Pittsburgh. Ivan is the last of five siblings who were born on the family's 230 acre ranch in Sherwood, situated along the Tualatin River and what is now Roy Rogers Road. He and his brothers Herb and Richard farmed the property until 1968 when it was sold. Ivan and family moved to Walnut Avenue in Tigard. His brother Harvey lived in Salem and his sister Gladys Holm in Portland. The Elsner farm produced onions, grain, hay and straw, as well as various livestock over the years; primarily Polled Hereford cattle. There was also an orchard of apples, cherries, walnuts, and plums. At the time the ranch was sold the weeding of the 10 acres of onions was still being done by hand. In earlier years, onion weeding provided a small income for local farm children. The ranch was purchased by his grandfather, Albert, in the late 1800's. they developed part of the riverfront property into Elsner's Picnic Park where locals would come to swim, fish, and dance. Ivan was a graduate of Tigard High School, which at the time was in a house on Beef Bend Road with multiple grades meeting together. He took classes at George Fox College to help him with running the farm, particulary with livestock management. He was also trained to fly a crop duster. His father, Friz, was one of the founders of First Bank of Tigard. After the sale of the farm, Ivan was hired by Portland Community College to maintain their fleet of vehicles and work in the mail room. He was later promoted to Supervisor of Campus Stores and worked at the Rock Creek campus untill well after the age of 65. Employees remember him as "the best boss ever." His family and all who knew him will remember his easy going temperament, integrity, kindness, fairness, quick wit and great smile. His 95 years with us were not enough and he will be sorely missed. The family invites those who are gathered to share fond memories of Ivan during the time set aside for the euligies. Written memories may be read by the celebrant if requested. Following the services there will be a reception in the Hopitalilty room at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to following organizations. Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, 3975 Mercantile Dr. Suite 154, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035 and/or Autism Spectrum Supports Network (AuSSN) 65 Fulton Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317 (http://aussn.net). Service Information