Ivan Phillip Roberts passed away on October 30, 2024. Ivan grew up on the Fort peck Indian Reservation in Montana, he was proud of his full blood Sioux affiliation to that tribe.
He is a descendant of the Bad Temper Bear Clan, his relatives include his Iron Bear family who he felt a special connection to, the Smokers, Spotted Wolfs, Red Boys, Shields, Johnsons, Deans and Standing Bears.
He grew up in Frazer, MT, and played basketball for the Frazer BearCub High School.
At the age of 20, wanting to see more of the world, he enlisted in the Army, which led to him being sent overseas and into Vietnam War, where he received the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Combat Infantryman, Good Conduct, Parachutist, Pathfinder, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Bronze Star awards and medals.
In 1971 he was honorably discharged, moved home and later attended college in Missoula, MT.
Ivan met Kathy Birdsbill in the summer of 1969 and continued a relationship throughout the years and were married March 21, 1987. They had one son, Matthew who Ivan was very close to.
They enjoyed watching basketball games and Ivan’s football team the Denver Broncos play.
Ivan held several jobs, he worked at the Transco Railroad in Miles City and his last job he worked and retired from was the A&S Industries in Poplar, MT.
Ivan is survived by; Matthew, his step sons Jarett and Nolan of Wolf Point, Eli and Tanya of Nebraska and his brother Tony Iron Bear; sisters Linda Dean of Miles City, MT, Neva Spotted Wolf, JoAnna Spotted Wolf, Lucinda Standing Bear, Linda Iron Bear Lezard, Myrna Iron Bear Daniels, and Cheryl Iron Bear Boyd all of Poplar, MT.
Ivan is preceded in death by; his mother Vera Roberts; his father Harry Iron Bear Sr.; brothers Lloyd, Clarence, Gerald, August “Jug”, Austin “Moose”, Merele, Harry Jr., Alfred, Lonnie and Sonny; sisters Beth, BettyJo and Charmaine Iron Bear and Agnes “Babygirl” Spotted Wolf.
Ivan will be truly missed by all that were blessed to have known him and those that will carry him in their hearts.
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