The Courier-Journal (Louisville)
Ivan Howard Bailen
LOUISVILLE - Ivan Howard Bailen, 67, died on August 14, 2024. He was born in Louisville on October 7, 1956, to Bertha (Stengler) and Alex Bailen.
Ivan’s passion for teaching began at a young age. While a senior at Atherton High School, he spent two hours a day visiting elementary students, which confirmed his career choice. He attended Jefferson Community College and later the University of Louisville, where he obtained his B.S. in 1978 and M.Ed. in 1980.
Initially, Ivan mentored kindergarten and firstgrade students in reading. Although he intended to become an elementary teacher, he pursued a master’s degree in special education. Ivan enjoyed a fulfilling career teaching special education at Myers Middle School.
During his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and mahjong and serving as a bingo caller. He attended UofL football, baseball, and swimming matches and traveled the world with a group of retired educators. He also opened a dog-sitting business and served on the College of Education and Human Development Advisory Cabinet, supporting ideas and special initiatives in the Dean’s Office.
Ivan was a member of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, the Kentucky and National Education Associations, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the American Radio Relay League.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marcia Applebaum Isaacs.
Ivan is survived by his brother Edwin “Jerry” Bailen (Irene Beattie), his niece Michelle Stevens (Matt), his nephew Stephen Applebaum, and many great-nieces and great-nephews and his extended family and friends.
Memorial donations honoring Ivan’s life may be made to the UofL- College of Education & Human Development, the American Red Cross,
Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18 at Herman Meyer & Son, Inc., 1338 Ellison Ave., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. The burial will follow in Keneseth Israel Cemetery.