Ivan (Ike) Reginald Huyser (91) died on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in San Diego, California. Born in Holland, Michigan, to Russell and Marie Huyser, Ike graduated in 1948 from Holland High School and studied at Hope College. There he met and married Jacquelyn Medendorp. Huyser joined the Air Force and was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico for most of his time in the service. He graduated from Western Michigan University and received a graduate degree from The University of Michigan. Most of his life he lived in San Diego County, California, where he taught government and economics at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley for more than 30 years.
Huyser was preceded in death by his former wife, Jacquelyn Medendorp Huyser Burden of San Diego, California, his daughter, Deborah Huyser Ellis, of Brownwood, Texas, his son, Daniel Ivan Huyser of Atlanta, Georgia, and his brother, Warren Huyser of San Diego, California. He is survived by his son, David John Huyser of Muskegon, Michigan, his daughter, Diane Huyser Wilkes of Atlanta, Georgia, and his three sisters: Laverne Lievense, of Holland, Michigan, Esther Van Slooten of West Olive, Michigan, and Norma Van Haitsma of Carlsbad, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ike is also survived by his former son -in- law, retired Sr. District Judge Stephen Ellis of Brownwood.
Ike, a Protestant, was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church and proud of his Dutch ancestry with French Huguenot roots. Outgoing, the life of the party, a real jokester, and lifelong Republican; Ike never let the truth get in the way of a good story. If you were ever “Huyserized” by Ike, you could not forget him. He was a real character in many ways and he will be missed by all who loved him.
A memorial service will be held at the chapel of Cedars Assisted Living at Paradise Village, 2740 East 4th St., National City, California at 11:00 am Saturday, January 22, 2022. A private family memorial service will take place later at the Circle E Ranch near Brookesmith, Texas as per Ike’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.