Ivan "Jelly Belly" Deist

Ivan Lee Deist, the son of Allison J. and Ollivene F. (Kauffman) Deist, was born March 3, 1944, in Carroll, Iowa and entered into eternal rest October 28, 2024, at the Audubon Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 80 years, 7 months, and 25 days.

Ivan graduated from Audubon High School with the class of 1962. On July 3, 1962, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country for 4 years. During his tour of duty, he fought in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on October 14, 1966. Ivan was a proud member of the American Legion Post 120 following his active-duty days. Ivan was blessed to be able to keep in contact with his Vietnam Marine Corps Platoon, sharing memories and stories from their time together in war.

On October 12, 1968, he united into marriage with Diana Rudolph at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. They were blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Even after divorcing, Ivan and Diana raised their children together in Audubon.

Ivan began his lifelong career driving semi. He drove for several well-known companies, this is where he gained his CB handle “Jelly Belly” which stuck with him throughout his life. He spent countless hours traveling more miles than you can count across the United States and Canada. Ivan thought he was ready for retirement but quickly decided that he missed being in the truck. He then began employment with Pat McCuen of Audubon, Iowa creating a friendship and stories that would last a lifetime. Ivan often referred to himself as a “professional” and could give you any advise or direction on how to get around the biggest mountain on the snowiest day of the year. When he would make his way back home, the grandchildren could hear his truck coming for miles and greeted him with big smiles and their own “special” wave. Ivan continued driving semi until his health would no longer allow him to do so.

Following his retirement as a truck driver, Ivan spent his years loving his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them and even offered to babysit, the kids loved their time with grandpa despite him not being sure which way to put their diapers on. Eventually, Ivan was blessed with a great grandson who he enjoyed sharing ice cream and fist bumps with.

Ivan carried a love for all pets, often greeting the pets before the humans who brought them to visit. One of his favorite past times was cutting weeds and trimming trees, even if they weren’t in his own yard. His family was impressed that he made it through all of his years without a trespassing charge. Ivan could fill a room with laughter when sharing the stories of his life, these stories will be cherished and shared among his family and friends for many years to come.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his daughter Melissa Ann Deist, his sister Mary and husband Roger Winther, his brothers John Paul Deist and Jerry Deist, his brother-in-law Dan Brownsberger, and his great granddaughter Sloan Lyn.

Survivors include his sister Dottie Brownsberger of Oakland, Iowa, sisters-in-law Margie Deist of Audubon, Iowa, Carlene Deist of Ankeny, Iowa, his half-sister Deb Murphy of Des Moines, Iowa, his children Nina Deist, Kendra and husband Nathan Bladt, Chad and wife Jennifer Deist, all of Audubon, Iowa; his grandchildren Allisen Deist (Tyson Petersen) of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Melissa Leann Deist (Dylan Lollie) of Port Orange, Florida, Keegan Deist (Audrey Jensen) of Audubon, Iowa, Javyn Bladt (Isabelle Glomski) of Johnston, Iowa, Adelyn Bladt of Audubon, Iowa, Irelyn Bladt of Audubon, Iowa, his great grandson Kaden Fransen of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services will be conducted by Minister Jason Zaiger on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 10:30 am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The casket bearers are Keegan Deist, Javyn Bladt, William Andrade, Ryan Brownsberger, Richard Deist, and Dennis Deist. Honorary casket bearers are Kaden Fransen, Pat McCuen, Greg Kauffman, and all staff members who cared for him at The Audubon Friendship Home. The family will meet friends on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 5 pm until 7 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the Deist Family in his honor. They will be designated at a later date and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.

Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is handling the arrangements for the Deist Family.