Ivan E. Kercher

Ivan E. Kercher, 83, passed away May 11, 2016. Ivan was born in Mitchell, SD to William and Agnes Kercher. He grew up in Belt, Montana, graduating from Belt Valley High School in 1951. Shortly thereafter he joined the United States Army. Ivan served in Korea during the Korean War as a radio operator. He was present at the signing of the armistice and during the exchange of prisoners. Ivan was enormously proud of his military service. Upon his return home from the service Ivan attended business school in Salt Lake City UT. It was there he was first employed in the oil and gas industry. He worked as a Landman for several oil and gas exploration companies in Denver, Albuquerque NM and Billings MT. His oil and gas career spanned 45 years. Ivan remained a 'hard-copy man' for his entire life and was happy he retired before he had to learn to use a computer. Ivan had many interests including golf, fishing, hunting and ranching. For five years he was the proud owner of the K-BAR-M ranch in Judith Basin County, MT. Ivan loved the outdoors and nature. Nothing made him happier than spending a day with friends or family fishing, golfing, hunting or traveling. His greatest disappointment was that in 65 years of golfing he never got a hole-in-one. Eagles but no Aces! Ivan deeply loved his family. Ivan is survived by his loving and caring wife of 30 years, Marjorie Kercher and by his children, Virgil Kercher (children, Connie Kercher, Colleen Young and Cassie Mildenberger,) Vivian Reichert (husband Doug and children Gareth, Joel, Ryan Reichert and Cne' Robinette) Vernon Kercher (wife Kathryn Karford, son L.B. Ek and Christopher Kercher,) Terri Marshall (husband Randy and children Samantha and Mya Robertson and Julia Marshall) and Ernie Kercher (children Kaiden and Koby Kercher.) Ivan is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, 5 sisters; and 2 brothers. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, by his son Gilbert, by his brothers Bill and Lyle and by his sister Leota, by his sister-in-law Eleanor Kercher and by his brother-in-law Hank Vaskey. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 E. County Line Rd., Centennial. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ivan's name to a charity of your choice. Please share memories of Ivan and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.