Ivan Sander Vraa, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, 91, Halstad, MN, formerly of Climax, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Halstad Living Center. 
Ivan was born in Climax on May 1, 1930, to Sander and Ida Vraa. He grew up in Climax before joining the Marines, his first of many jobs working for the safety of others. After his tour of duty with the Marines ended, Ivan returned to the Climax area where he became part of the Crookston Police force. Ivan married the former Barbara Weber and they had the first two of his four children, Kevin and Keith. Soon the pull of new places and new faces called, and Ivan joined the Border Patrol working on the California/Mexico border. It was here that I have my first memories of Dad. Kevin and I would get to ride in Dad’s jeep while he patrolled the border, looking for anything amiss. Armed with our cap guns, Kevin and I scared the daylights out of many a jackrabbit. California was also where Karyn joined the family. Next up were the bright lights of Chicago where he worked as an immigration officer at O’Hare International Airport. It was here that Ivan and Barbara parted ways and eventually Ivan met and married Grace “Gina” Gandolfo. Soon after, Dad and Gina brought his last son Mike into the family. The next stop on Dad’s travels took him to Minnesota’s Twin Cities where he continued his work in immigration. When it finally came time for Dad to retire, he moved to the warmer climate of Phoenix. After Gina unexpectedly passed away in 2006, Dad decided it was time to move back to his family and friends in Climax, where he once again took up residence on the old family farm. When his health started failing him, he moved into the Halstad Lutheran Living Center and Heritage House until his passing.
Ivan is survived by his four children, Kevin, Keith, Karyn Zblewski, and Mike. In addition, he leaves behind 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Ivan is predeceased by his wife, Grace “Gina” Gandolfo.
Memorial Service: 5:00 PM, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Climax Lutheran Church, Climax, MN, with a meal to follow at the Corner Bar in Climax.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Inurnment with full military rites: 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Skatvold Cemetery, Climax, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
