Ivan Zwick, 85, passed away on December 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife Wanda, of 43 years, and family.
Ivan was born October 18, 1939, to Delores and Julius Zwick of Herrin, IL.
Ivan’s life was marked by many accomplishments and an enduring passion for family, community, and service. He was blessed with a diverse and fulfilling life, excelling in education, athletics, military service, business, and philanthropy.
Ivan graduated from Herrin High School and went on to graduate with honors from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He proudly served in both the U.S. Army and the National Guard.
A lifelong passion for weightlifting began at a young age when Ivan, inspired by Charles Atlas advertisements, created a makeshift gym in his parents’ garage. Ivan began competing in high school, through college, and continued into his adult life. His dedication to the sport resulted in an extraordinary career in powerlifting, with numerous state, national, and world records in bench pressing, and many remain unbroken. Over six decades, Ivan earned more than 200 trophies and medals with most being first-place awards. His final world competition was in 2019 in Japan, at the age of 79, earning a silver medal in the Age 70+ age bracket. Ivan’s teammates and spotters were a driving force throughout his lifting career and formed a brotherhood of friendships that he cherished.
At the early age of 11, Ivan began his career in the family business of Julius’ Bargain Store and Zwick’s Shoe Store in Herrin, IL. As Ivan entered college, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished, when, at 18, he started Ivan’s Toy Rack Service selling holla hoops, toys, and vending merchandise. After graduating, he began his own shoe store operations, growing the business to more than eight Zwick Shoe Stores throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. He also opened four Kosher Korner Deli stores in the Southern Illinois area. Always fascinated and investing in the stock market, he went on to earn his trading license and became a stockbroker in Marion as his last career.
In January of 2007, Ivan and Wanda purchased property to create The Lighthouse Shelter, which has provided refuge to more than 6,000 men, women, and children throughout Southern Illinois. Ivan’s dedication to the shelter’s mission and his tireless fundraising efforts were integral to its success and continued impact on the community.
As a successful business owner and devoted citizen of the Marion community, Ivan was a proud member of both the Marion Merchants’ Association and the Marion Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Ivan and Wanda were honored with the Mayor’s Service Award by Mayor Robert Butler, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the community. In 2018, they received the Leaders Among Us Award from the Southern Business Journal for their significant impact across the Southern Illinois region. Guided by their faith, Ivan and Wanda co-founded The Lighthouse Shelter, a crucial resource that continues to serve and uplift those in need. Through their unwavering commitment, they have left a lasting and positive mark on the lives of many in Marion and throughout Southern Illinois.
Ivan’s deep commitment to the community extended beyond his business endeavors. As a proud veteran, he actively supported local events honoring veterans, participating annually in holiday parades to show his respect and solidarity. He contributed to the reconstruction of the new Civic Center, and was instrumental in the installation of the bronze statue that commemorates the life and legacy of our town’s beloved mayor, who served for over 55 years.
A lifelong member of the United Hebrew Temple of Benton, Ivan served as both President and Vice President of the congregation, making significant contributions to its leadership.
Ivan was predeceased by both his parents, Delores and Julius Zwick, and siblings Sandra Zwick Cohen and Morris Zwick.
Ivan is survived by his devoted wife Wanda, children Kevin and Myra Zwick, Abby Zwick and Allen Hill, Marcia Zwick and Marc Aliberti, Rick and Debi Harmon, Becky and Kevin Keyser, William and Holly Harmon, granddaughters, Holly Clark, Hope Harmon, Jodee Harmon, Charlee Reynolds, Kaylee Vancil, Kierston Kerley, Sydney McKinney, and Amber Ryder; grandsons, Samuel Zwick, Adam Zwick, Winston Hill, Cameron Hill, Marc Alibert Jr., Christopher Aliberti, Cody Harmon, Zackery Harmon, Kolby Keyser and Gabriel Harmon; 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be held at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home in Marion on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The graveside service will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, IL on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The family invites friends and loved ones to gather at the home of Carol and Malcolm Zwick, 125 W. Brewster Rd, Herrin, IL at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the Marion VFW Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail and members of the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Detail.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be made to the “Lighthouse Shelter” of Marion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter for the homeless. Donations can be made at the funeral home or mailed to The Lighthouse Shelter, PO Box 732, Marion, IL 62959.
Notes: On September 19, 1968, Ivan’s father, Julian, purchased the North ½ of Block 15 on the square from Dr. Martin M. May. This would be the 500 block of the Tower Square, the building to the north of the old Hotel State building. The building was deeded from Julian Zwick to Ivan Zwick on October 27, 1980 and Ivan continued operating a shoe store called Zwick’s Shoes out of that location. On September 27, 1974, Ivan purchased the South ½ of Block 10 from the Exchange Bank. This is the 1200 block of the Tower Square that is currently occupied by “Little Nashville.” The property was sold to Aaron Smith on May 7, 2020.
(Source: Obit per Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, additional notes and compiled by Sam Lattuca on January 5, 2024)