Ivan Clair Munk

Ivan Clair Munk, 68, of Centerfield, passed away from a sudden, unexpected heart attack the morning of Aug. 13, 2017 at his home in Centerfield. He was the first of six children, born Jan. 12, 1949 in Manti, Utah, by a midwife to the late Clair Anderson and Rachel Berniece Coulson Munk. He married Joan Loraine Smith May 23, 1970 in the Manti LDS Temple. Ivan had a love for church and service that included an LDS mission in Australia; he was appointed the first counselor in the Gillette Wyoming branch presidency and later at the Centerfield 1st Ward. The day he accepted the nursery leader position, he immediately went and purchased baby dolls and other toys. It became his common practice to lay on the floor, at 6’2” and play with the children every Sunday. One of his most prized calling was as the Director of the Family History Center at the Gunnison Valley Correctional Facility. Through his service and volunteering, he met numerous people who quickly became lasting friends, and created lifelong memories, which impacted his life and others. He was a dreamer who idolized Louis Lamour, and spent his early years traveling and working on farms and ranches. He always wanted to run his farm with horse-drawn equipment, which he accumulated over the years, but passed away before he could make it possible. Once he settled down, he earned a position as journeyman lineman for Utah Power and Light and advanced to dispatcher. He retired after 37 years, but that did not slow him down. Ivan loved his family and taught them the value of hard work. He held a deep passion for being involved and provided various projects that excited and motivated them. These opportunities taught them how to excel in all avenues of their lives. These included cattle, sheep, horses and ranching. He was extremely proud of any and all of their accomplishments. His “never give up” attitude was an inspiration to all and was proven through his work ethic learned as a child and his love for life. An important family tradition was camping in Gooseberry Canyon. These great outdoor adventures became instant lasting memories. We enjoyed sunrises, sunsets, starry nights, lightning, rainstorms, and all avenues of the great outdoors. He was a kind and generous man who could always make you laugh and entertain you with his stories. He loved learning and sharing Dutch oven meals, peanut brittle, caramel popcorn and garden goodies. He took fashion cues from no one. His signature everyday look was all his own: a plain pocketed T-shirt, suspenders, Levis and a hat. While working as a prison volunteer, he became strangely consumed and driven with excitement like a kid in a candy story for the “FIND” of yet another extraordinary tie to add to his collection, which he eagerly shared with anyone who would look and listen which grew stronger every day. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He lived a long and fulfilling life and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Ivan is survived his wife and children: Shawn (Robin) Vancouver, Washington; Terri Lynn, St. George; Wayne, Hurricane; ClairAnn, Manti, brothers: Sam, Idaho; Allen (Danielle) Smithfield; Dale (Jody) Kansas; Dennis (Robyn) Mt. Pleasant; sister Clara (Jodi) Henderson, Nevada; eight grandchildren and his loyal dog Sammie. He is preceded in death by his parents, and niece, Eva Munk. The family wishes to thank dear Sanpete County for a lifetime of love. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 at 1 p.m. in the Centerfield LDS Ward Chapel, 230 N. Main in Centerfield, where friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., prior to the services. Interment will be in the Centerfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer-Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.