Ivan Wayne Dike Sr., 71, died peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Apache Junction, Ariz.

Ivan was born on September 5, 1944, in Hershey, Neb., to Carl and Hazel Dike. Ivan was one of eight children but if you asked him, he was the oldest of the four youngest. In the spring of 1964, Ivan married Judy Arlene Miller, who would remain by his side for the rest of his life. The two had three wonderful children, Ivan Jr., Colleen, and Justin.

In the summer of 1979, his employment with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) took him and his family to Irrigon, Ore., where he worked at the Hinkle maintenance yard just outside Hermiston, Ore. A devoted family man, Ivan raised his family in Eastern Oregon where he never met a stranger. Ivan retired from the UPRR after 32 years as a machinist.

Through the years, Ivan coached his daughter’s softball team where he made lifelong friends of those he coached with and those he coached. Adored by many, they still referred to him as Coach Dike up until his passing.

In his later years, Ivan was an avid Model T enthusiast; weekends were spent on Model T tours, rebuilding Model Ts for friends or working on one of the three Model T cars he so proudly owned. He was a staple in the Model T community for his knowledge and expertise in getting them back on the road and was always willing to assist if he thought he could help.

After retiring, he and Judy began “snowbirding” in Arizona to fulfill their dream of retirement. They loved it so much they eventually moved there full-time in the spring of 2010. There, Ivan enjoyed playing golf, learned the art of stained glass, played many evenings of Farkle and, most importantly, enjoyed the time spent with his wife.

Ivan’s greatest passion was always his family. He saw his three children pursue their various interests and was proud of their achievements. Wherever they lived, he always made it a point to travel to visit. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and attending their concerts, plays, and sporting events. His family in turn respected and adored him. His endearing smile and laugh warmed the room he was in and he always made the effort to include all that were gathered. But most importantly, his integrity and devotion for providing for his family made him a true hero and role model for his children. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and he will be dearly missed.

Ivan was survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy; his children Ivan Jr. (Karen) Dike, Colleen (Jason) Bethel and Justin (Christina) Dike; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his siblings Don, Marion, Dale, Louis McConnell, Mary Medbery, Lyle and Ron.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and niece Vicky Dike.

Memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 13 at Valley Christian Center, 2001 W. State Farm Road, North Platte, Neb. A luncheon will follow immediately after the memorial service.