Walter Ivan Ivie

After graduating from high school, Walt joined the United States Navy. He served for four years during the Korean War.

He met and married Linda K. Buckingham in 1956. They lived in Decatur, Illinois from 1956 to 1960 having their first three children there before moving to Salem, Oregon where they rounded off their family with two more children.

Walt came to know Jesus as his Lord & Savior in 1975, and soon thereafter began praying daily for each of his family members by name.

He was a faithful member of Salem First Church of the Nazarene for 49 years where he sat on the Board and ushered among other activities.

Walt worked 9 years for Blue Bell where he was able to bring snacks from work to the family camp outings; many fond memories were made during those camping trips still shared around the table today.

He was a successful business owner in Salem after his career with Blue Bell. Walt purchased a Shell service station from his father in 1974 which was to be the first of six. The original property has now been in the family since 1958. He invested in his employees and community until retiring in 1996 when he and Linda became snowbirds living in California during the winter season.

They enjoyed their retirement years spending time with family and friends. In addition, he enjoyed hunting trips, fishing, playing golf and going to his grandchildren's sporting events. Above all, Walt was a family man, he loved his family deeply and enjoyed listening to their triumphs as well as challenges, willing to help in any way he could.

Walt and Linda were married for 54 years before Linda went home to be with the Lord in 2011.

In 2014, he met and married Donna Siemens. They recently celebrated 10 years of marriage together.

On May 28, 2024 at his home in Salem, Walt was released from this earth and undoubtedly met by the Lord with “well done my good and faithful servant.”

Walter is survived by his wife, Donna and children, Sharon Cotner (Bob), Alan Ivie (Lore), Julie Sundvall (Glenn), Carol Schmidt (Jim), Connie Johnson (Gary), 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Belcrest Memorial on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.; it is open to family and friends. A reception from 2:30 p.m.- 4:30p.m. will be held at Salem First Church of the Nazarene.