Ivan McCormick

Funeral services for Ivan McCormick, 74, of Swan, will be held Tuesday, March 31,
2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville, with interment to
follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, March 30th from 4:00 until
7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Pleasantville FFA or the
Knoxville Hospital Infusion Center.
Ivan Lee McCormick was born April 9, 1951, to Keith and Hazel McCormick in Des
Moines. He passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his
family.
Ivan grew up in the Pleasantville area, graduating from Pleasantville High School in
1969 before attending Iowa State University. On September 4, 1971, he was united in
marriage to Jean Mart, and together they were blessed with 54 years of marriage.
While in school, Ivan developed a strong passion for FFA, an interest that continued
throughout his life. He earned both the Iowa Farmer Degree and the American Farmer
Award and remained a dedicated supporter of the organization for many years. As an
active member of the Pleasantville FFA Alumni, Ivan even spent eight years driving
tractors for the State Fair Shuttle, helping raise funds for the program.
After high school, Ivan farmed alongside his father for many years, continuing until his
father’s passing. Along the way, he also did auto body work and eventually became a
Soil Conservation Contractor, building ponds and terraces throughout Marion and the
surrounding counties. (Ivan did dirt work) He could often be found tearing down
buildings or clearing land with his track hoe and bulldozer. During this time, he also
proudly served in the Iowa Army National Guard.
Ivan had a love for drag racing and was well known by many as “Plow Boy” for over 30
years. He raced in towns across Iowa, earning numerous trophies along the way. He
also had a passion for collecting signs, gas station memorabilia, and vintage gas
pumps, and he had a special talent for rebuilding and restoring antiques.
Above all, Ivan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Jean were
blessed with two children: Jeremy McCormick and his wife, Leann; and Trisha
McCormick and her husband, Doug Klahr. He was a proud grandfather to Blake
(Kenzie) McCormick, Madison (Joel) Roberts, Christian Orness, and Dakota Klahr, and
he greatly looked forward to the arrival of two great-grandchildren. Ivan is also survived
by his brother, Leland McCormick, along with many other relatives and friends who were
like family.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Hazel McCormick; and his in-
laws, James and Alberta Mart.