Ivan Matthew Lincoln

May 2, 1939 — October 4, 2021

Ivan Matthew Lincoln passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 4, 2021. Ivan entered this world at 28 weeks gestation on May 2, 1939 weighing in at 2lbs. 3oz. He was born to Floyd and Margaret Schmidt Lincoln in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was a miracle baby. For the next 18 years his doctor would parade Ivan around the office anytime he was there. He had two older sisters, Marilyn and Daunna, who acted like mothers.

He attended schools in Gooding and Twin Falls. He graduated from Twin Falls High in 1957. His senior year he was the art editor of the yearbook. He excelled in English, art and typing, all of which would help in his future career. He was still in touch with many friends from high school until he passed. He attended two quarters at USU. He then went into the Army Reserves and served as a clerk typist at Fort Ord, California for six months. He then returned to Twin Falls to work on the family farm.

He stumbled into a career in journalism when he answered a “blind ad” in the Twin Falls Times News. The ad read, “Wanted; must have good typing, English skills.” He worked the night beat for three years and then spent six months on the copy desk. After moving to Ogden, he joined the Standard Examiner as a police reporter. He was remembered as a reporter who could cover sensitive stories with discretion. Ivan then moved on and spent 39 years at the Deseret News. He worked almost everywhere at the DNews. He worked as the backshop liaison, at the copy desk, as a religion editor, on the farm beat, at the city desk, and ended in the Today Section as the Theater critic. He always loved the arts and this truly was a dream job for him. Ivan loved all the people he met in the arts and entertainment industries.

Ivan married the love of his life, LuAnn Armga on July 21, 1967 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. They lived in Ogden at the start of their marriage but eventually moved to Kaysville where they stayed the remaining years of their lives. They went on to have 4 daughters, Melissa (stillborn), Stephanie, Blythe Ann and Amy Ruth.

Ivan was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had many callings but his favorite was ward clerk. He also loved writing the 16th ward road shows. He was faithful to the very end, even listening to General Conference in the days preceding his death.

He is survived by his daughters: Stephanie (Blake) Howell, Blythe (fiancé Micah Pickering), and Amy Ruth. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, in- laws, the Richard Firmage and Jerry Bovee families. Ivan also had many special lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, infant daughter Melissa, his parents, sisters, a niece.

We express our thanks and appreciation to Valarie Jacobs NP and Summit Hospice, his nurse, Stacy and his aide, Cassidy, for their loving care.

Ivan chose to donate his body to the University of Utah Body Donor program. He wanted to contribute to the health and wellbeing of others for generations to come.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am, Saturday October 23, 2021 at Kaysville Deseret Mill Stake Center, 270 W Burton Lane, Kaysville, UT. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 9-10:30 am. Interment will take place at a later date at the Kaysville City Cemetery. If you would like to watch services, the Zoom meeting ID is 91398921590

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Donor Connect, Utah Shakespeare Festival, or Perpetual Education fund would be appreciated.