The world lost an incredible man when Ivan Leland Dyreng, Jr., passed January 2, 2022.  He was born in Manti, Utah on July 30, 1934, the 7th of 8 children to Ivan Leland and Mabel Reid Dyreng.  He enjoyed 67 years married to the love of his life, Elaine van den Boogert after they married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 9, 1954.

Those who met Ivan couldn’t help but love him.  His kind heart, sense of humor, and sharp intellect were all with him until the end, as were his songs, jokes and stories, endearing him to all those who knew him.  Ivan found his calling in life as a high school teacher, teaching science at East High School for most of his 36 year career.  He started the East High Science Club, later winning national awards for his visionary teaching methods and commitment to excellence.  He loved geology, writing limericks, telling stories, calling cows, visiting Disneyland annually for over 50 years beginning when it opened in 1955, as well as traveling the world extensively on 5 continents.  The Netherlands were a cherished spot to visit with his soul-mate, Elaine, as he adopted her heritage as his own.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Elaine, their 4 children: Russell (Trisha) Dyreng, Judy (Scott) Thompson, Douglas (Jenny) Dyreng and Karen (Jim) Stucker; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, older sister Maxine Andrews, and younger brother David Dyreng.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leland, Gail and Garth, and sisters Doris Simmons and Norma Nelson.

And in honor of Ivan, a parting limerick…

There once was a teacher named Dyreng,
At 87 his time was expiring,
Through stories and jokes he taught all kinds of folks,
And his influence on all was inspiring.