Ivan Lewis Kushen

Ivan Lewis Kushen
1935-2023

Ivan Lewis Kushen, of Highland Park, Illinois and Longboat Key, Florida, born August 10, 1935, passed away August 17, 2023.

Fast walker, fisherman, fun-loving friend, and grillmaster, Ivan had a sharp wit, an infectious laugh, a boundless loyalty to his family and friends, and an unwavering patriotism.

Son of the late Genevieve and Arthur Kushen. Beloved husband of Ellen Jones Kushen for 21 years until her death in 1979. Cherished husband of Marilyn Kushen for the past 39 years. The best father of Anne (Mitch) Macknin, Karen (Ed) Weil, Ali (Irv) Kagan, and Geoff Ruttenberg. The loved forever grandfather of Ellen (Max) McCarty, Lucy Behn, Charlie Weil, Rachel Weil, Sammy Kagan, Joey Kagan, and Benjamin Kagan. Great-grandfather of Asher McCarty. Dear brother of Richard (Arlene) Kushen and the late Barbara Kushen Dee, and brother-in-law of Richard (the late Jayne) Jones. Loving cousin and uncle to many. Lifelong devoted friend of countless people across the country. Ivan was a proud University of Michigan graduate and ZBT fraternity brother. He joined the family furniture company, Kushen Brothers Furniture, out of college and later became a leading sales representative of Schnadig International Furniture. Long-suffering White Sox and Bears fan, offset by the perennial powerhouse Wolverines football squad. Fast walker, fisherman, fun-loving friend, and grillmaster, Ivan had a sharp wit, an infectious laugh, a boundless loyalty to his family and friends, and an unwavering patriotism. His strength, wisdom, humor, and smile will be remembered forever. Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (https://jfedsrq.org/ways-to-give/donor-programs/), Anti-Defamation League (https://www.adl.org/), and Chicago Lighthouse (https://chicagolighthouse.org/).