Douglas Eugene Ihde

Douglas Eugene Ihde, 64, of Monona, died Sunday, June 18, at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, following a long battle with leukemia. 

Douglas Eugene was born April 21, 1953, to Eugene W. and Charlene C. (Vaughn) Ihde in McGregor. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona. Doug attended MFL Community School in Monona.

Doug lived most of his adult life in the Monona area. He farmed on the family farm in the early years, worked as a heavy equipment operator and as a carpenter. Doug also had a lawn mowing business for many years. He worked hard, believed in honesty and integrity and was a true gentleman. Family was most important to him. Doug participated in softball and bowling leagues and rode motorcycles. He especially enjoyed hunting with his uncles and cousins and fishing with friends. He was a man of few words, which always made his quick wit and sense of humor a delightful surprise. Doug was united in marriage with Cindy Childs in 1972. To this union four children were born. They later divorced.

Doug is survived by his fiancé, Cheryl Smola, of Monona; four children, Kimberly (Troy) Helmrichs, of Petersburg, Derrick Ihde (Christine Clang), of Marquette, Kory (Lori) Ihde, of Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Kelsey (Daniel) Eickelberg, of Waukon; seven grandchildren, Austin, Lexi, Lily and Kloe Ihde, Aiden Helmrichs and Cameron and Cael Eickelberg; one sister, Denice White of Postville; nephews, Dennis (Amy) Millage, of Cresco, and Lucas (Jessica) Millage, of Grimes; and a host of family, friends and neighbors. Doug was deeply loved and he leaves all who knew him the better, for the privilege of his presence.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Charlene Ihde; and grandparents, Herbert and Edna (Krambeer) Ihde and Charles and Harriet (Cahalan) Vaughn.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Leonard Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday. Funeral Services will 11 a.m. on Friday, June 23, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, with Rev. Erika Kielstrup as the officiant. Burial will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Monona, at a later date. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, of Monona, is helping the family with arrangements.