Ivan Hauptman

Ivan Hauptman (1930 – 2021)

Ivan passed away on March 18, 2021 in Cleveland, OH at the age of 90.

Born on May 7, 1930 in Sticna, Slovenia, Ivan fled his homeland with his parents on his 15^th birthday in 1945 due to the communist occupation.  What they thought would be a short evacuation, ended up being a 4-year stay in a refugee camp in Spittal, Austria, never returning home.  While in the refugee camp, he attended their trade school and found his talent working with his hands. In 1949, he immigrated to America with his parents and settled in Cleveland, OH.  Ivan lost both of his parents in 1954 at the age of 24.  A year later, he married Paula Arnez on November 5, 1955 at St. Vitus Church.  In 1959 he started a manufacturing business, Sunset Industries, Inc. with 4 other partners where he worked until his retirement.

Ivan was very active in the Slovenian community as a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church, a member of the singing group Korotan, where he loved using his beautiful baritone voice, the drama club Lilija, Slovenska Pristava, Pristava Pensioners Group, Slovenian Radio Family and the Slovenian American Times newspaper. He also supported many organizations, particularly the Slovenian missions and the work of the late Dr. Janez Janez, and Fr. Pedro Opeka.

Ivan enjoyed capturing family gatherings and Slovenian cultural events through audio, video and photography. He loved creating videos using the latest in computer technology. Travelling with family and friends also provided him the opportunity to takes pictures and videos of those he was close to.

Ivan was kind, gentle, generous and extremely talented and was proud to be a Slovenian American immigrant. His unwavering Faith, including Marija Pomagaj, guided him through his uncertain journey. His life is his legacy, and his life stories will be shared for generations.

Beloved husband for 64 years of the late Paula (nee Arnez); loving father of Tony (Vida), Margaret (Thomas) Luzar, Maria (Evan) Nunnally, Peter (Karen) and Joseph (deceased); devoted grandfather of Joshua, Daniella, Elizabeth (Richard Rutkowski), Lauren (Ben Weisel), Peter A., Diana (Matt Chimes), Bradley, Alex, and Mark and great grandfather, Charlie Weisel; cherished son of the late France and Marjeta (nee Perme); dearest brother of the late Anton and Vinko; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

Mass of Christian Burial FRIDAY, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St Mary of the Assumption Church, 15519 Holmes Ave, Cleveland, OH. Family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the church (MASKS REQUIRED).  Private burial at All Souls Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in memory of Ivan to St. Mary Church, Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192, or Slovene Home for the Aged, 18621 Neff Road, Cleveland, OH 44119 or your favorite charity.

Arrangements by THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS. Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.