Ivan Eckstrom, age 86, of Renville, MN and Branson MO, passed away at home on March 24, 2023, following a long illness. A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Renville, MN on Saturday, May 20th with visitation starting at 10:00 and service at 11:00. Ivan was born on April 24, 1936, to Carl and Cora Eckstrom in St. James, MN. He was raised on a farm in rural Butterfield, MN with his three brothers. He loved to tell stories of his life on the farm and often referred back to the lessons he learned there. He attended Butterfield Public School and joined the Minnesota National Guard at age 17. He married Joann Elaine Mossengren on February 12, 1955. He farmed for a year and then attended Mankato State University where he graduated with a degree in education. He started his teaching career in Truman MN and then went on to be principal at Rapidan, MN and Sanborn, MN. While in Sanborn, he was offered the position of Superintendent. He and his family then moved on to Renvill