Larry George Ivanjack

September 6, 1949 - December 29, 2024

Larry was born to Florence and George Ivanjack in Illinois in 1949. He was the third of what would become 6 children. As a child his brothers were all playing baseball, but Larry loved to sing, and became a fan of musicals from an early age. At the age of 9 his parents moved the family to Canoga Park. He worked hard in school, and was in many of the honors classes in high school, where he met Sue in algebra. They were friendly rivals throughout high school, and stayed friends thereafter.

Larry was elected an Ephebian by his high school class at Canoga Park High School, and graduated in 1967. He was accepted at UCLA where he completed his undergraduate degree, and ultimately his law degree.

While he was studying at UCLA, Larry and Sue continued their friendship, which blossomed into courtship. By summer of 1969, Larry was ready to ask Sue if she’d be interested in changing her name. She said yes!

They were married in December of 1969, and after a few temporary rentals, they bought their first house in Reseda in the summer of 1976. They brought their first daughter Katie home in November. Larry was working as an attorney at Bank of America, and Sue was able to stop working and become a fulltime mother. In 1979, Larry had the opportunity to become an associate at a private law firm working for the senior partner Oliver Ross.

They welcomed their second daughter, Becca in May of 1982, and moved to Woodland Hills in 1983. Larry had just become a named partner at Oliver's firm, and would become the senior partner when Oliver retired. He continued to specialize in representing banks and financial institutions, bankruptcy work, and contracts. He merged his firm in 2006 with Parker Milliken, and weathered the financial crash with his bankruptcy work. It took Larry many years to actually retire, but eventually he managed it in 2019.

Sue and Larry joined St. Luke Lutheran Church in 1977, and both Katie and Becca were baptized there. They have been active members in the church community of faith since then, both serving in many roles and positions, including as president of the congregation. Larry also served as financial secretary for at least 12 years. He enjoyed singing in the choir, and participating in the many social and community programs the church would engage in. He was a founding member of the St. Luke Players, and thoroughly enjoyed both acting and directing the 15 or so productions the players produced.

Larry took his role as father and provider very seriously, but always found time to enjoy the theater and traveling with his family. He was a fierce friend and a compassionate man. He loved to laugh, sing show tunes, play games, take road trips, enjoy family vacations in Lake Tahoe, hang by the pool with his grandchildren, cruise with his wife and family, cheer on UCLA with Becca, enjoy the lights of Broadway with Sue and then Katie. He was a wonderful and loving roll-model, mentor and hero to many. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial Donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church-5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, or they can donate in Larry's name at https://donate.broadwaycares.org/fundraiser/5989955.

A viewing for Larry will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. An interment will occur Monday, January 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362.

Larry will be laid to rest in Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362.