Ivan Kusjanovic

Ivan Kusjanovic passed away peacefully on October 29, 2016 at the age of 48. He was surrounded by family and his best friend when he drifted off to heaven. A native of Houston, Texas, Ivan was born on February 26, 1968. He attended Pat Neff Elementary School, Sharpstown Middle School, and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in 1986. In 1991, Ivan graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, and received a special recognition for being an outstanding bachelor graduate in the study of mathematics. In 1999, Ivan received the degree of Masters of Business Administration, Management Information Systems, from the University of Houston.

Ivan loved watching sports. As a youth, he was a big Dallas Cowboys fan and a Houston Oilers fan. As an adult, Ivan rooted each week for the Houston Texans, UH Cougars, and Strake Jesuit Crusaders. He was a devoted Houston Astros fan and enjoyed watching them play in the World Series. Ivan developed a love of hockey and was a proud season ticket holder for the Houston Aeros. The Houston Aeros Booster Club “The Tailgunners” was a passion for Ivan. He manned the club’s table at numerous games, held many officer positions, and helped plan the annual charity dinner which raised money for local charities. Having a dad that played soccer, Ivan naturally had a love of soccer and joined the Pennison’s Penpub Fantasy Football League eight years ago. Fellow league members described Ivan as a beloved committee member, a witty newsletter contributor, a frequent trophy winner, and an all-around good guy with a 10,000-watt smile.

Despite being born with a congenital heart problem and weak lungs, Ivan always had energy and the drive to live life to the fullest. He was an active member of the Libertarian Party and Houston Blues Society. Ivan frequently played in Texas Hold’em Poker tournaments. His social calendar was always full with concerts, musicals, comedy shows, theater events, family parties, and gatherings with friends. Ivan did all of this, and so much more, with a smile on his face and with a big infectious laugh. He never complained, he never took life for granted, and if you were lucky enough to know him, you quickly realized he had inspired you to do the same.

Ivan was preceded in death by his grandparents Angela “Mama Yela” Altamirano, Benedicto “Papa Bene” Altamirano, Catalina Kusjanovic, and Natalio Kusjanovic. Ivan is survived by his parents Teofilo and Marlene Kusjanovic, his sister Erika Kusjanovic, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. Visitation will be held in the funeral home chapel from 9-10am on Friday, November 4th. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 10am. A reception will follow in the funeral home event room. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the American Heart Association and American Lung Association.