John Henry Iven, of Freeburg, was born on January 9, 1927, at Poplar Bluff, a son of Peter James and Agnes Mary (Wegman) Iven, and departed this life at 6:50 a.m., on Monday, July 1, 2013, in the Westphalia Hills Care Center, Westphalia. He had attained the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 22 days.

Mr. Iven was united in marriage on September 12, 1989, at Jefferson City, to the former Dorothy Gertrude Nilges. He was preceded in death by his wife on June 17, 2013; his father on December 11, 1988; his mother on July 16, 1970; and four brothers, Charles, James, Edward and Jerome Iven.

On May 4, 1945, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, Mr. Iven entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until October 31, 1946, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Lawton, Washington. He was awarded and entitled to wear the World War II Victory Medal. Prior to his discharge, Mr. Iven had served as a Medical
Aid Man and had attained the rank of Private First Class. A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Mr. Iven was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, and the Paul A Hasenbeck Memorial American Legion Post No. 317, both in Freeburg. During his working life, he had been employed as a heavy equipment operator since 1954 specializing in the excavation of farm ponds and lakes, and was later employed by Twehous Excavating, Taos, in mostly highway construction. Mr. Iven retired in 2006 at the age of 79. Activities he especially enjoyed were gardening, cooking, canning, wood working, reading, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Iven include: Four sons, Steve Iven, Linn, George Iven (Linda), and Andy Iven (Michelle), all of Freeburg, and Randy Iven (Donetta), Vienna; four daughters, Sheila Kliethermes (Bill), Westphalia, Wanda Reinkemeyer (Roger), Freeburg, Becky Libbert (Craig), Jefferson City, and Victoria Evans (Richard), Hope Mills, North Carolina; one brother, Leo Iven (Jay), Stanton; one sister, Theresa Huether (Jack), Morrison; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

A Prayer Service was held for Mr. Iven at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 4, 2013, in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg, with the Rev. Nicholas Reid leading.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Iven was celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, July 5, 2013, in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg, with the Rev. Nicholas Reid, celebrating.

Interment with full military honors was in the Holy Family Cemetery, Freeburg, under the direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes. Pallbearers for Mr. Iven were Craig Reinkemeyer, Michael Iven, Charles Iven, J.P. Iven, Mark Iven, and John Hayes. Honorary pallbearers were Derk Evans, Kendall Evans, Brandon Iven, Brady Iven, Brian Kliethermes, Curtis Reinkemeyer, and Cyle Reinkemeyer.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family of Mr. Iven to Masses, to the Holy Family Catholic Church or to the Holy Family School with envelopes available at the church or the Vienna Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.