Ivan Dean Polus

Ivan Dean Polus, 84, of Whitefish, Montana passed away peacefully in his home on December 5, 2020 while surrounded by family and friends. Ivan was born on March 26, 1936 in Elmira, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Berenice Polus, his wife Julia (Szczepaniak) Polus. He is survived by his son William Polus and his fiancé Kim Kilkenny and son Tommy, daughter Jane Kasberg and spouse Mark Kasberg, grandson Craig Kasberg and his partner Kendra Buerger, granddaughter Deborah Jane Reid and spouse Alex Reid.

Ivan moved his family from Michigan to Montana in 1967 and retired from the Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls in 1998.

Ivan lived true to his values and his faith at all times. He preached the gospel to family, friends and any stranger he could. He prayed several rosaries a day for his family, friends and the souls in purgatory. You knew where he stood in his beliefs. His family greatly admired him for that.

Despite experiencing several near death experiences, including surviving polio as a child, Ivan most remarkably maintained his humor, character, and spirit at all times. Most recently he survived a fall off a ladder after repairing a roof at age 82. His work on this earth was not done yet. He broke his pelvis and shattered his hip during the fall. He was alone on a property over 25 miles from Whitefish, with no cell service, and a long distance off the highway, two gates and no trespassing signs. He said prayers and asked to be allowed to pass or to please send someone in to rescue him. He survived about 18 hours with exposure to rain and low temperatures while wearing a cotton shirt and jeans. He was randomly found by power line workers who arrived, unscheduled, to the property. He was still conscious and able to call for help. Despite doctors saying he may not recover at his age after such a fall and event, he recovered and continued to live independently until recently diagnosed with cancer. In the past two years, he shared his miracle with family, friends and strangers alike.

Ivan was a one-of-a-kind character with abounding talents in woodworking (including his signature Christmas reindeer), restoring things and creating fabulous oil paintings. He was one of the most humble, honest (known in his community as "Honest Ivan") and gentlest souls. He loved the great outdoors whether camping, fishing, hunting or simply watching and admiring wildlife.

He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend to many.

A private family mass and burial will be held. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for Ivan’s family.