George D. Ihrke, Sr.

George IhrkeLife StoryBeneath his dry sense of humor and sometimes stern exterior, George Ihrke had a heart big enough to encompass his large extended family, his many friends, and even his community. George was many things - a veteran, a carpenter, a mayor and a friend - but, above all else, he was a family man. George was immensely proud of his children and his grandchildren, and dedicated his life to caring for those he loved. George's high principles, humorous smirk, and kind heart will live on in the memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing this remarkable man; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.In the United States, the "Roaring Twenties" were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. George Donald Ihrke was born in the dawn of this exciting decade, on September 25, 1920, and shared his birth year with the invention of the parachute, the institution of prohibition, and the passing of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. George's proud parents, Gustav and Clara (Schuchard) Ihrke, brought the newest member of their family home to Quincy Township of Olmsted County. Throughout the next decade, George enjoyed the typical childhood of a boy growing up in rural Minnesota. Cars were still rare, and George and his family traveled by horse and sleigh in the winter months. One of George's favorite chores as a child was cutting wood at the north branch of Whitewater. Afterwards, he would usually be treated to lunch at the Black Hills Cabin, where he could warm up his feet in comfort. George was also very close to his grandmother, and his fondest childhood memory was of being rocked on his grandma's knee as she talked to him in German (the only language she knew).George met Marjorie Smith, the woman who would change his life forever, at the Dover Calf Show. George and Marjorie soon fell in love, and were married on December 16, 1940. During the wedding ceremony, there was a snowstorm of such severity that the minister and guests couldn't leave until the following morning! Despite this rocky start, however, George and Marjorie would share a loving and committed relationship that endured for more than seventy years.George and his bride settled down into married life as farmers in the Dover area. As the years went by, they were blessed with ten children: George, Bonnie, Marvin, Bernard, Barbara, Beverly, Roger, Becky, Brenda, and Douglas. The idyllic life of the Ihrke family ground to a halt in 1945, however, when George was drafted into the U.S. Navy. In later years, George would recall the hardest moment of his life as "sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, knowing he was leaving his wife and three kids at home." Fortunately, George returned home safe and sound after serving his country in WWII for one year, as a fireman 2nc Class from January to December of 1945.Back in civilian life, George and his family moved to Cromwell, MN, here George served his carpenter apprenticeship. In 1950, they moved back to Dover, and George supported his family as a carpenter at Kruse Lumber Company. He then worked for Alvin Benike Construction in Rochester until his retirement in 1985. In addition to being a talented carpenter and a devoted family man, George was also active in community life. He was a faithful member of the Dover United Methodist Church, and also belonged to the St. Charles American Legion and the Veteran of Foreign War Posts. Popular and well respected around town, George was elected councilman and later mayor of Dover. Perhaps due to his stint as elected official, one of George's favorite sayings was "Remember to stay out of trouble, and live within the law." He was also a volunteer fireman of 41 years. In spite of all these achievements, however, George was adamant that his life's greatest accomplishment was raising ten wonderful children.After his retirement, George spent many happy days fishing, camping, and spending time with his family members and his dogs. He and Marjorie both loved to camp, and decided to splurge on an R-V. In fact, after one look around the showroom, Marjorie announced that they weren't leaving until they bought "this one!" Highlights of their travels included brushes with the famous, and some of George's favorite memories included shaking hands with Eleanor Roosevelt, meeting Bob Dole on an honor flight to D.C., and assisting Minnie Pearl across the street during a chance meeting in Nashville. Meticulous and determined, humorous and kind hearted, George was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. George Donald Ihrke, Sr., died on July 15, 2013, at the age of 92. George's family includes his wife, Marjorie; his children, George (Ann) Ihrke of Buckley, IL, Bonnie (Larry) Lewis of Byron, Marvin (Ardith) Ihrke of Dover, Barbara (Ray) Literski of Minnesota City, Beverly (Lyle) Lawrenz of Eyota, Roger (Cheryle) Ihrke of Dover, Becky (Paul) Severson of Rochester, Brenda (Cary) Korpela of Cromwell and Douglas (Emily) Ihrke of Milwaukee, WI; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his siblings, Delmar (Mary Jane) Ihrke of St. Charles, Leola Hinckley of St. Charles, Gene (Fern) Ihrke of Altura, Arley (Mary) Ihrke of Houston, Gus (Marilyn) Ihrke of St. Charles, Shirley (Bill) Loppnow of St. Charles and Lorry (Irvin) Hohmann of Dover. He was preceded in death by his son, Bernard; five brothers; two sisters; and his parents.Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles, with the Reverend Heather E. Klason officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles, with military graveside honors being conducted by St. Charles American and V.F.W. Posts. Casket bearers will be Phillip, David and Dan Ihrke, Jay and Eric Ihrke, Heath Lawrenz, Aaron Fjerstad and Tyler Korpela. Honorary casket bearers will be Brian Granholm, Bruce Ihrke, Arley Ihrke, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Please visit George's personal memory page at www.hofffuneral.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/412352