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Ivan Z. Garman, 74, of Ephrata, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at his home with his wife by his side. Ivan was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor five weeks ago which became evident while on a mission trip to Haiti.

He was born in Terre Hill to the late Henry and Susie Mae (Zimmerman) Garman and was the husband of Charmaine (Petry) Garman with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.

Ivan currently attended Calvary Church in Lancaster and had been an active member of Ephrata Mennonite Church, where he served on various committees. He was involved in mission work, he had served in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Haiti. He was also a volunteer for Teen Missions International in Merritt Island, FL for many years.

A well known home builder, Ivan was known for his meticulous eye for detail. He and his wife Charmaine, founded Garman Builders in 1972, which is currently run by their children. He was a member of the Lancaster County Building Industry Association. His homes have been recognized throughout Lancaster County for their design, quality and detail. Ivan had served in I-W Service at Memorial Hospital as an orderly in South Bend, Indiana from 1963-1965. Ivan loved to work hard, you would often hear him say, "work is my hobby." He also enjoyed traveling, spending time with his children and grandchildren, his Florida home, the ocean, boating and working in his yard.


In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 4 children, Michelle Garman of Ephrata, Michael, husband of Rebecca (Lefever) Garman of Lititz, Shawn, husband of Joan (Martin) Garman of Lititz, Jason, husband of Noel (Benner) Garman of Lititz; 8 grandchildren, Jared, Matthew, Jacob, Brandon, Shannon, Abigail, Amber and Brooke Garman; 5 brothers, John Z. Garman of Ephrata, Henry Z., husband of Erma Garman of New Holland, Irvin Z., husband of Laura Garman of Milton, IA, Aaron Z., husband of Ella Garman of Penn Yan, NY, Clarence Z., husband of Alta Garman of East Earl; 7 sisters, Mary Z., wife of David Nolt of Martinsburg, Laura Z., wife of Mervin Martin of Roaring Spring, Susan Z. Reiff of Fortuna, MO, Anna Z., wife of Carl Martin of Goshen, IN, Eva Z., wife of Phares Martin of Leola, Ruth Z., wife of Elmer Oberholtzer of New Enterprise and Alta Z., wife of Menno Zimmerman of Orchard, IA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kassie Joy Garman and a brother, Levi Z. Garman.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 19, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, at the Alive Church, formerly Ephrata Mennonite Chuch, 510 Stevens Road, Ephrata. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, February 20, from 10 to 11 am, at the church, followed by his funeral service at 11 am, with Pastor Paul Thompson officiating. Interment will take place in the Middle Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ivan's memory may be made to YWAM-Haiti, PO Box 236, Akron, PA 17501 or Bethany Christian Services of Lancaster, 1681 Crown Ave., Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601-6314 or Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

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