Ivan Louis Katzer, a man of profound quiet strength, gentle wisdom, and deep devotion to his family, passed away peacefully at home following a courageous, years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 80 years old.

Born in 1946 in Higginsville, Missouri, to Christina and Bernard Katzer, Ivan grew up learning the value of hard work, family ties, and the natural world around him. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1964 and, shortly after, married the love of his life, Carol Carlew, in 1966. Together, they built a life rooted in steadfast love, endless patience, and shared adventures.

Ivan began his career as a welder at Havens Steel Company before taking the helm of the family tree business, where his passion truly took root. He grew into a highly respected figure across the regional arborist community, serving as president and board member of the Kansas Arborist Association. Renowned for his unmatched expertise in local flora and his unwavering dedication to customer service, Ivan’s connection to the land didn't end with retirement—he continued to give back as a dedicated community volunteer and a trusted expert witness in his field.

To know Ivan was to understand his boundless love for the outdoors and his generous spirit of mentorship. Whether he was taking epic camping trips to Alaska with his brother, hiking and biking local trails, or tending to his garden, he was always in his element. He delighted in passing down his knowledge, teaching his children and grandchildren how to cultivate the perfect tomato plant, identify wild animal tracks, appreciate bird watching, invest wisely, and master the art of landscaping.

A lifelong, passionate soccer fan, Ivan spent decades on the soccer field as a player, coach, and referee. He was a devoted season ticket holder for both the Kansas City Wizards and Sporting KC, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer on Manchester United. 

At home, Ivan was defined by his calm demeanor, broad intellect, and dry wit. An avid reader, he was rarely seen without a book or magazine nearby. He loved a competitive game of Spades or Pitch, a good martial arts film, anything starring Clint Eastwood or Sean Connery, and a glass of sweet German wine. His love for classic rock was legendary; much to Carol’s playful dismay, Ivan ensured his children grew up with a proper live-music education, taking them to countless concerts over the years. Though he was not a man of excessive words, his timing was impeccable—often slipping in a sharp, witty remark at just the right moment, including his affectionate, cheeky go-to line when watching the women in his life navigate a minor crisis: "Thank god I wasn’t born a woman."

Above all, Ivan’s greatest pride was his family. He treasured every gathering, especially the annual Katzer Family Reunion, and instilled in his lineage a deep respect for nature and an unshakeable work ethic.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Christina and Bernard; his brother, Roger; and his beloved granddaughter, Franki Jo.

He leaves behind a rich legacy through his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Carol Katzer; his siblings, Ron (Crystal) and Donna; his children, Kimberly Wilmsen (James), Christy Nunn (Jameson), and Jeffry Katzer (Lisa Ribaste); his grandchildren, Kristen, Kyle, Grace, Samantha, MacKenzie, Adam, Cody, Louis, Alexis, and Dianna; and his eight great grandchildren, Rowan, Carter, Elliott, Olivia, Amelia, Rosalynn, and twins Piper and Charlie.

Celebration of Life

A gathering to celebrate Ivan’s life and memory will be held on November 7, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 5111 East 112 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64137. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together, share stories, and celebrate a life so well lived. Ivan was a casual man, and so is this event.

In Lieu of Flowers

The family suggests contributions be made in Ivan’s honor to support Parkinson's research or the dedicated hospice team who provided compassionate care in his final weeks:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care