Ivan Caulder was born at the Morley family farm at Gormandale on 16 June 1900, and was initially raised by Annie's mother Sally, until Fanny married Sam Lane.

Ivan was educated at the Gormandale East State School, and left school at 14 to commence an apprenticeship as a blacksmith.

On 21 September 1918, Ivan enlisted in the A.I.F. for service overseas and commenced training at the Broadmeadows recruit depot. Due to the armistice and the subsequent demobilization, Ivan was discharged on 24 December 1918.

On returning to civilian life, Ivan married Catherine Marie (Kit) O'Neil on 26 March 1928 at Fitzroy, Victoria.

Kit had been previously married, and had three children - Ivan and Kit had no children of their own and Ivan became stepfather to Kit's three children.

Ivan subsequently worked as a painter and decorator in the Gipsland area, eventually retiring in Traralgon. He died on 16 September 1980, survived by Kit who died on 28 June 1990 - both are interred in the Traralgon Lawn Cemetery.