Rev. Ivan R. Mechtly, Jr., Age 95 died on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Brethren Home in New Oxford, Pa.

Born on September 13, 1929, in West York, PA, the eldest son of Ivan R. Mechtly and May Green Mechtly.  Ivan attended schools in Red Lion, Stewartstown [Eagle Scout, Troop 27, BSA] and graduated from New Oxford High School in May 1947.  He then attended Lock Haven State Teachers College for one year before entering the US Military Academy, West Point, NY, July 1948.

Ivan graduated from West Point on June 3, 1952 where he was commissioned a 2nd Lt., US Army Corps of Engineers.  He married Evelyn Stambaugh at First Lutheran Church, New Oxford, on June 7, 1952.

Ivan served in the Korean War, received a Master's in Civil Engineering from Texas A & M, served in Germany, a 2nd tour in Korea, tours in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Utah and taught mathematics at West Point, NY.

In June 1974 after 22 years in the army he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and then attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.  He graduated with a Master of Divinity and was ordained by the Central Pennsylvania Synod, United Lutheran Church, June 1978.

Pastor Mechtly was called to parishes in Cattawissa and Tremont, served as pulpit supply pastor in many parishes and as interim pastor in Hanover, Gettysburg, McSherrystown, Thomasville, Littlestown and Seven Valleys.  He made church trips to Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, China and Israel.  His 29th home was a cottage at Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, since 1998.

He is survived by four children: Diane Himmel (Mark), Cedar Creek, TX; David Mechtly (Maggie), MAJ, US Army, Ret., Colorado Springs, CO; Bruce Mechtly (Ann Stewart), PhD, Topeka, KS; Bryan Mechtly (MaryAnn Mullen), Red Hook, NY; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Ivan was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, his parents and his brother, Dr. Eugene A. Mechtly.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 10am at the Nicarry Meetinghouse of The Brethren Home Community, 2990 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford, with Rev. Joel Hummel officiating.   The family will receive friends at Nicarry on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.  Feiser Funeral Home, Inc, 302 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com.