Lynn Ponivas
Alton |
God called his faithful servant Lynn Gordon Ponivas home on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 1:11am at home surrounded by his family.
Lynn was born December 14, 1942 in Buffalo, N.Y. to Hugh and Agnes Dora (Bargmann) Ponivas.
Lynn served his country as a Yeoman in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and the Navy Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer. God blessed him with vocations as a Lutheran School teacher in various schools in Illinois and Missouri, as a driver for JB Hunt, as an AAL representative, and as a church custodian.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Theiss) Ponivas, their sons and daughters-in-law’s, Bram and Jenn Ponivas of Chicago, Il, CPT Drew and Bethany Ponivas of Daegu, south Korea, and MMI John and Ambyre Ponivas of Mystic, CT, a grandchild Eli Ponivas, brothers and sister, Clyde Ponivas of Las Vegas, NV, Shirley (Ponivas) Hayes of Milwaukee, WI, Russell and Linda Ponivas of Buffalo, NY, sister-in-law Ernelle Ponivas of Buffalo, NY, sister-in-law Kathy (Theiss) and Dan Schoenherr of Frohna, MO, Brother-in-law Gilbert Theiss, Jr. of Eastpointe, MI, mother-in-law Viola (Gerler) Theiss of Perryville, MO, and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Audrey (Ponivas) Cooley, brothers Bruce Ponivas, and Floyd Ponivas, and a Father-in-law Gilbert Theiss.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, Monday, October 3, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Il. where visitation will continue from 9 am to the time of service at 10 am Tuesday October 4, 2011, with Pastor Daniel Decker officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Alton VFW Post 1308. After a luncheon at the church, burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in South St.Louis.
Memorials may be directed to the Metro East Lutheran High School Edwardsville, Scholarship fund, or Zion Lutheran School Bethalto Scholarship fund and Faith Lutheran Preschool Godfrey or charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
