Ivan Oliver Jern

Ivan Oliver Jern, 93, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He was the son of Oliver and Iva (Boughton) Jern.

Ivan graduated from Oquawka High School in 1951. He entered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1956. On November 24, 1957, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Pontzius.

Ivan graduated from Western Illinois University in 1959 and began his career in education, teaching vocational education for four years in Yates City, Illinois. In 1961, he earned his master's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

He then joined the faculty at Metamora High School, where he taught for 33 years until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement from the classroom, Ivan continued serving the field of education as a Vocational Director for the State of Illinois, overseeing seven schools in central Illinois. He served in that role for four years before officially retiring from education.

Ivan is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie; his son Michael and daughter-in-law MaryAnn; and his son Roger and daughter-in-law Nancy. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Ryan and his wife, Taylor; Taylor and her husband, Connor; Madeline; Brandon; Kyle; Sean; Jacob; and Justin. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: William and Robbie Jern, children of Ryan and Taylor, and Riley Chappell, daughter of Taylor and Connor.

In 2016, Bonnie and Ivan moved to Woodstock, Georgia, where they continued to make their home until his passing.

Services will be held at Christian Union Church in Metamora, Illinois, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora, Illinois. After the burial, family and friends are invited to return to the church for a social gathering. Everyone is welcome to spend time with the family and share memories of Ivan.