Ivan J. Garman

Ivan J. Garman, 85, of Bellevue, died Friday, February 7, 2014 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was born May 21, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Ivan O. and Dorothy (Dymond) Garman. Ivan graduated from Berlin Heights High School in 1946. He furthered his education by completing courses in Philosophy and Credit Union Management at Ohio University and Psychology and Business Administration at Bowling Green State University. Mr. Garman was the founder of the Bellevue Terminal Federal Credit Union (now Firelands Federal Credit Union. He spent 45 years there, retiring on May 31, 1993 as the CEO. Because of his involment in the credit union, Mr. Garman served as the director of the Lake Erie Chapter of Credit Unions, President of the Ohio Credit Union League, Ohio Delegate of Credit Untion National Association, the director/treasurer of Ohio Central Credit Union in Columbus, charter member/incorporator and treasurer of Ohio League Corporate Credit Union in Columbus, director/incorporator of Northwest Ohio Credit Union Services. Mr. Garman was a national delegate representing Ohio in the testimony before the Federal House Banking Committee in support of a bill to establish a Natinoal Credit Union banking system. He was a coordinator between Ohio Credit Union League and Ohio Legislature officials. Mr. Garman was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for 57 years, having served as a greeter, counter, and auditor. He had belonged to the Bellevue Lions Club for 40 years and was a member of the Bellevue Masonic Lodge. Mr. Garman had been the director of the Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the Bellevue Hospital (serving as Treasurer), the director of the Bellevue Development Corporation, served on the committee for the development of Bellevue Athletic Field, and the finance committee of the Board of Directors at Palmento Palms in Fort Myers. Ivan enjoyed farming, boating and fishing, tennis and golf. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband for over 65 years. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On May 7, 1948 he married Theresa J. Fields, who survives him. Also surviving are his children: Deborah Kae Houle (William) of Clyde; Gary Ivan Garman of Apache Junction, Arizona; and David Eugene Garman (Darleen) of Bellevue; grandchildren: Jacquelyn (Chris) Wells, Amy (Todd) DeWitt, Amber (Dr. Craig) Jarrett, David Aaron (Gloria) Garman; great-grandchildren: Morgan & Dylan DeWitt; Mitchell & Madison Wells; Hadley, Emme & Elle Jarrett; siblings: Louis (Artie) Garman of Sandusky; Evelyn Ferguson of Norwalk; Harold (Luci) Garman of Sandusky; Dale (Linda) Garman of Bellevue; Donald (Barbara) Garman of Bucyrus. One sister, Dorothy Strecker preceded him in death. Visitation will be 4-8:00pm Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Auxter Funeral Home, 1105 Castalia Street, Bellevue. His funeral service will be 10:00am Friday, February 14, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 209 Southwest Street, Bellevue with Rev. Juli Lejman-Guy officiating. Burial will follow in Belllevue City Cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church, Fish and Loaves, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation Date: 02/13/2014

Visitation time: 4-8:00pm

Visitation Location: Auxter Funeral Home - 1105 Castalia Street, Bellevue

Service Date: 02/13/2014

Service Time: 7:45pm Masonic Services

Service Location: Auxter Funeral Home -

Funeral Date: 02/14/2014

Funeral Time: 10:00am

Funeral Location: St. John's Lutheran Church - 209 Southwest Street, Bellevue