February 3, 1932 – May 25, 2026
Robert “Ivan” Niswender (Retired Elder), 94, of Allegan, MI passed away May 25, 2026 at Briarwood Assisted Living.
He was born February 3, 1932 in Erie, MI the son of the late Edmond and Margaret Niswender.
He was a graduate of Monroe High School and later from Taylor University in 1956.
Ivan was employed by the Allegan County Mental Health Department and after retiring from the County went on to serve as the Pastor for United Methodist Church for 13 years. Ivan and Phyllis moved to Arizona after retiring before settling down at Grace Village in Winnona Lake, Indiana. Ivan moved back to Allegan in 2024.
He shared 68 years of marriage with his wife Phyllis. Ivan and Phyllis were married on their graduation day from Taylor University. Ivan was a wonderful husband and father. Ivan was a devoted Christian and follower of Jesus. He was kind to everyone he met and always had time to sit and talk to those around him. He will be missed by his church community and all those that knew him.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his wife Phyllis and children Tom and Kathy. He is survived by several nephews and nieces.
There will be a graveside service at Pierson Cemetery in Cheshire Township on August 15, 2026 at 11am. A luncheon will follow at Trowbridge Community Church on 26th Street in Allegan.
In lieu of flowers, please share a memory of Ivan.
Condolences may be left online at Gorden Funeral Residence.
Service Record: [(RE) FE 1958; HL 1971; FE 1989; RE 1994] Hersey (EUB) 1958; Hersey, Grant Center (EUB) 1960; Battle Creek: Calvary (EUB) 1962; Grand Rapids: Northlawn (EUB) 1966; Perry, Shaftsburg 1969; Honorable Location 1971; Otsego: Trowbridge 1981; Readmitted 1989; Otsego: Trowbridge (¾) 1989; Otsego: Trowbridge 1993; Retired 1994.
Last Updated on June 16, 2026