Ivan Hatler

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ivan Hatler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ivan passed away on March 23rd, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love.

Born on April 14th, 1941, in Konawa, Oklahoma, to Ivan Loyce Hatler and Alice Marie (Duffield) Hatler, Ivan's journey began. He attended Anderson School for his primary education and later graduated from Macomb High School. A proud veteran, Ivan served his country in the United States Army, with a memorable station in Germany.

Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Joleen Hunt, and together they raised two wonderful sons, Louie and Torrey Hatler. Ivan's professional life was marked by his unwavering commitment to public service. He began his career with the City of Shawnee in the Sanitation Department but soon found his calling in the Fire Department. His dedication and leadership saw him rise through the ranks, eventually retiring as the Battalion Chief. His passion for firefighting extended beyond his own service; he received his Fire Service Training from Oklahoma State University and went on to become an instructor, training volunteer firefighters across central Oklahoma.

In his leisure time, Ivan found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he cherished vacationing in the serene mountains of Colorado and southeastern Oklahoma.

Ivan is preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Ivan and Alice Hatler, and numerous other relatives.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his devoted wife, Joleen Hatler; his sister, Glenda (Hatler) Branson; his brother, Tony Hatler; his oldest son, Louie Hatler, and his wife, Crystal, along with their children, Josh and his wife Jessie, Holly, and Jenna Hatler; and his youngest son, Torrey Hatler, and his children, Michael Hatler and Ariel (Hatler) Howeth. He was also a proud great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren: Hunter and Kayla Hatler, Danielle and Skylynn Hatler, and Lexie, Hoyt, and Stryker Howeth. He will also be fondly remembered by his step-grandchildren, Kaleb McCullough and Autumn Burk, and a host of family and friends too numerous to mention.

Ivan's life was a testament to his strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026 and continue through service time with family gathering from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to greet friends and family at Cooper Funeral Home.  Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026 at Tecumseh Highland Church of Christ with Erick Henson officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.