Ivan "Hippit" Lawson

​Ivan Francis Lawson of DeKalb, IL died September 19, 2025. ​Born August 24,1931 in DeKalb, IL, Ivan was the son of Ernest L. and Myrtle (Roland) Lawson. He married Barbara Kuppler on April 23,1955 in Somonauk, IL.

​Ivan graduated from DeKalb High School in 1950. He worked for Meadow Gold Dairy, HEPS Frozen Foods, and as a Sales Manager for Fox River Foods, a job he held for 31 years. He was proud to grow up in DeKalb and was a lifelong fan of the DeKalb Barbs. Ivan was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in DeKalb for 70 years, serving the church through many committees and integral positions. He was an active member of Crossview Church of DeKalb for the last 7 years.

Family was the love of Ivan's life. He and Barb were married for 65 years and shared a rich life together. They loved spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Barb and Hippit were regular spectators at sporting events, concerts, or any possible thing they could attend to support their family. Hippit was also fortunate to share time with friends. Enjoying coffee at McDonalds, or chatting with people after church, Ivan was loved by many. He could often be found enjoying sports, from the Chicago Blackhawks to his beloved Cubs. Ivan also enjoyed hobbies such as collecting presidential political memorabilia from Eisenhower to the current president.

​He is survived by daughters, Claudia (Daniel) Hueber of Sycamore, Jami (Hung) Nguyen of Dekalb, one son Barry (Nancy) Lawson of Asheville, NC. Grandchildren Cecilie Ballard, Brady Roberts, Lauren Biddle, Benjamin Lawson, Stefan Hueber, Abraham Lawson, Jaci Richey, and Jordan Nguyen. Great Grandchildren, Linus, Olive, Lorne, and Blythe Ballard, Niya, James, Aiden and Beringer Roberts, Lee and Eve Biddle, Banks, Carolina, and Isla Lawson, Oakley, Ember, and Van Lawson, and Junia and Zion Nguyen. He is also survived by a loving network of extended family.

​He was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara, his parents, Ernest and Myrtle Lawson, brother Delbert Lawson, his sister Charlotte Cunz, great-granddaughter Cora Hueber, and beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Crossview EFCA Church 150 E. Bethany Rd in DeKalb. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 4:00pm at the church with Pastor Jeff Knitt officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Crossview EFCA Church, 150 E. Bethany Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.