Ivan G. Hiestand, age 72, of Hobart passed away unexpectedly at St Mary Medical Center Sunday, November 18, 2018.  Ivan worked for ArcelorMittal Steel (formerly Bethlehem Steel) as a Sr. Safety Engineer from April 1969 to March 2016.  He was born April 14, 1946 in Watseka, Illinois to the late Chester and Mary (Sears) Hiestand.  Ivan was a USMC Veteran of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3 ^rd Marine Division, serving during the Vietnam War.  He was wounded in action on September 16, 1967 for which he received a Purple Heart.  He was a life member of Valparaiso VFW Post #988, Disabled American Veterans, and a member of the Indiana Archeological Society. Ivan was an avid fisherman, a lover of the North Woods, an old car enthusiast, a basketball fan and coach.  Ivan was a friend to all who crossed his path.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Pamela Hiestand (Nee Blatz); three daughters, Tamara Hiestand of Valparaiso, Nerissa Hiestand of Lake Station and Holly (Jeff) Wheeler of Carmel; five grandchildren, Kaylin Keilman, Kristin Joyce, Dane, Tate and Phoebe Wheeler; Four brothers, Chester Hiestand of South Chicago Heights, David (Penny) Hiestand of Hobart, Terry (Joyce) Hiestand of North Judson and Kevin (Barbara) Hiestand of Hebron; his sister, Marilyn (Jim) Brown of Leesburg; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday November 21, 2018 at Rees Funeral Home 600 W. Old Ridge Road Hobart, Indiana 46342.  Funeral services will be 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Funeral Home.  Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are preferred to VFW Post #988 705 Roosevelt Road Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .