With great loss to his family, on March 14, 2020, Ivan J. Otstot, devoted husband, father and grandfather, was peacefully called to his tee time on Heaven’s Fairways of Glory to play a round of golf with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Ivan’s passion for golf began at the age of 12 when he became a caddy at the Carlisle Country Club. This experience taught him the game well, which ultimately led to him becoming a scratch golfer, among the finest amateur designations in the sport. For more than 70 years, Ivan relished the mental challenge of golf, the exercise and the opportunity to enjoy nature. Ivan’s love of golf was boundless.
He delighted in competing in tournaments with his son and brother, playing the Ocean Course at Kiawah and attending The Masters. Over his many seasons of playing the sport, he shot five hole-in-ones. While on the course, he always hunted for lost balls, even surviving a snakebite once when searching in the tall grass outside the fairway. In his 70s and 80s, he rangered at several local courses where he ensured golfers followed the course’s rules and regulations.
As for his own game, he took great pleasure in shooting rounds lower than his age on every birthday.
Born on August 1, 1937, Ivan was the son of the late Dorothy M. Swope and John F. Otstot, and the step-son of the late Jay O. Hackett.
He graduated from Mechanicsburg High School and worked for the PA Department of Forest & Waters, Metropolitan Life, Ben Miller Aluminum Products and the PA Turnpike Commission.
Ivan married Nancy K. Blaine in 1959, and they raised two children together. He was a 40-year member of the Summerdale United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board and taught Sunday pre-school classes for more than 25 years. Besides golf, Ivan was a competitive bowler, holding the record for the highest three-game score at the Camp Hill Lanes for many years until it closed. In the 1960s, he had the opportunity to participate in the Pro Bowlers Tour. Ivan (aka “Rubber Legs”) was also a master rollerskater.
He met his wife of 61 years, Nancy, on the roller rink. As a couple, they enjoyed many years of skating the dance steps. Ivan was a devoted father and grandfather to son, Randy (Heather) and children, Alaina, Olivia and Ray and daughter Stacy (Robert) Balaban and children, Peyton and Ryan. He was their #1 fan – involved in every parent organization and never missed a game, concert or competition.
His family has fond memories of vacations to the beach and travels to Disney, the Caribbean and Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica, which Ivan climbed while in his 70s. Ivan is also survived by his brother, Richard H. Otstot of Bumpass, Virginia.
Ivan’s family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of support immediately following his passing. Due to recent Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held on his 83rd birthday.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Otstot family.
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