Pettit, George 'Ivan'

George “Ivan” Pettit, 71, of Drasco, Ark., formerly of Shellsburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Phillips Family Center, 605 Second Ave., Vinton, with Pastor Loel Fink officiating. Friends may call at the Family Center from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Interment will be held at Koszta Cemetery near Belle Plaine, with graveside military rites conducted by M.J. Kirby American Legion Post 170 of Blairstown and Iowa Military Honors.

George, known to family and friends as “Ivan,” was born Nov. 27, 1939, to Woodrow and Helen (Lint) Pettit Sr. He proudly served his country in the Navy Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1961.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was a generous, loving man who will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Nicole (John) Young of Drasco, Ark.; two sons, Marquis (Ursula) Harris of Cedar Rapids and David (Tonia) Harris of Coggon; his brother, Joe (Margo) Pettit of Cedar Rapids; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Ivan was preceded in death by one brother, two wives, a daughter and a grandson.

A memorial fund has been established in George's name.

Condolences may be left at:        

Published Oct. 22, 2011, in The Gazette