Woodburn, Oregon—Carl Ivan Vistica, 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He was born and raised in a small farmhouse situated between Mt. Angel and Woodburn. Known as Ivan to family and friends, was the third of five boys born to Anton M. and Flora M. (Hellerschmid) Vistica.

Ivan lived his entire life in Oregon. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Mt. Angel for first grade and subsequently attended McKee School in Woodburn for grades second through eighth, which was a short walk from his home. Following grade school, he graduated from Woodburn High School in 1946.

After completing High School, he helped on his family's farm for five years. In May 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War where he attained the rank of Field Depot Supply Corporal before receiving an honorable discharge in March 1953. Upon returning from military service, he continued to work on the family farm for another two years, before enrolling in Oregon State University in 1955.

In 1956, Ivan met Veda "Gerry" Twitty, whom he would call the "Love of his Life," at the Fireman's Thanksgiving dance at the Woodburn Armory. He loved to share the story that he asked her if she would like to go out for a drink, to which she replied, "I don't drink!" He quickly quipped back, "Not even hot chocolate?" They went out for hot chocolate after the dance, and the rest is history.

Ivan and Gerry married on June 20, 1958, at the Memorial Union Building on the Oregon State University Campus, becoming the first couple to be married there. They lived in Corvallis while Ivan pursued his studies and worked for the Oregon Highway Department (ODOT) over three summers. Upon graduating from OSU in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, ODOT hired him full-time.

The couple relocated to Salem in 1959, where they remained until purchasing a 101-acre farm east of Woodburn in 1976. Ivan continued his tenure at ODOT and ultimately retired in 1988, holding the position of Engineering 3 Supervisor.

Ivan was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, the American Legion, and The Grange. He often shared a story about how in 1953, he went to Woodburn to get a $1.00 haircut from Arvid Ostrom, who refused to cut his hair until he joined the American Legion. This added an extra $1.00 to his expenses for dues, culminating in his completion of 71 years of membership in the American Legion, where he held every office in the post including Honor Guard for 25 years and Honor Guard Captain for 15 years.

Farming was a lifelong passion for Ivan; he always maintained a large garden with vegetables, fruit orchards, and flowers. He grew enough to feed himself and his wife during the summer and preserve for the winter, while also sharing with others including the Woodburn and St. Vincent de Paul Food Banks. Ivan was known for his generosity, freely sharing his wisdom, time, and the fruits of his labor. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and with a twinkle in his eye, a mischievous nature. He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his brother-in-law Gary (Sharon) Twitty, 25 nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 64 years, Gerry, his parents, Anton and Flora; brothers Michael, Joseph, Stanley, and Frank, and 3 nephews.

The funeral will be held on November 22, 2024, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 417 Harrison St., Woodburn, OR with the Rosary starting at 10:30 and the Funeral at 11:00 am. Interment will follow immediately after the Funeral Mass at Belle Passi Mausoleum at the 1000 block of Belle Passi Rd in Woodburn Oregon. After the internment, a funeral luncheon will be held in Rubis Hall located behind St. Luke Catholic Church.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Legion or St. Luke Catholic School Foundation.