Obituaries

John Richard Ihde, age 82, of Oconto, entered into his Lord’s rest on Saturday, April 14, after a brief illness with cancer. John was born on May 23, 1929 to the late John A. and Lillie Ihde.

John was blessed with a long, healthy & active life, raising a large family and enjoying the land with his wife, Charlotte, of 58 years.

John graduated from Oconto High School in 1947. He first met his bride, Charlotte Fay Draeger, while on horseback; they enjoyed competing in horse shows together and were both talented western riders. They were wed on May 30, 1953. John built the house on the dairy farm where they raised their six children: John, Laura, Virginia, Penny, David & Tina. He lived to enjoy his 24 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

John was involved in many community activities, service groups and leadership positions including the Oconto School Board, NFO (National Farmers Organization), 4-H, the former Trinity Lutheran Church, First American Lutheran Church and many others.

John retired in 1993 and remained active throughout his later years. He loved to fish and camp with Charlotte; they attended folk music festivals, where she would often join in. He liked to spend time in his workshop and out in the woods with his 4-wheeler & chainsaw. He shot pool, played cards, bingo at McDonalds, enjoyed campfires, large family picnics, making the rounds in his pick up truck (often with his dog) and most of all “talking smart.” John lived a life marked by generosity, honesty, hard work and common sense. He had a keen sense of humor, a diverse breadth of knowledge (particularly with building and fixing things) and a great love and devotion for his family.

John was the youngest of four children. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Raymond and step-mother Veronica Ihde. He is survived by his sisters Carol (Leo) Dumke, of Peshtigo and Glendora Hoeper of Neenah. John is survived by his wife, Charlotte of 58 years and six children: John (Tama) Ihde of Suamico; Laura (David) Olson of Lena; Ginny (Steve) Parker of Portland, OR; Penny (Eric) Seaberg of Middleton, WI; David (Renee) Ihde of Minneapolis, MN; and Tina (John) Heimerman of Green Bay. John is survived by 24 grandchildren: McKenna Ihde, Carli Ihde, Natalee Ihde; Daniel (Hannah) Olson, Bethany (Nelson) Brubaker, Leah Olson, Johanna (Marcus) Zimmerman, Sara Olson, Kristina Olson, John Olson, Lydia Olson; Jessica (Nate) Bell, Luke Parker, John Parker, Joseph Parker; Anna Seaberg, Stina Seaberg, Britta Seaberg; Tony (Jenny) Hessberg, Ian Ihde, Evan Ihde, Emily Ihde; Alex Heimerman, Bennett Heimerman; and 13 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by a large extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. John will be greatly missed by family and a multitude of friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, April 18 from 10 to 11 AM at the First American Lutheran Church, Oconto. Memorial services will be conducted 11 AM Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Mary Zupansic officiating. The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.

The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the very loving and caring staff members of Unity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to First American Lutheran Church or Bread By the Bay food pantry.