Robert J. Ideker

Robert J. Ideker, 83, of Hokah, Minn., went to meet his Lord on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at La Crescent Health Services in La Crescent, Minn. He was born Jan. 5, 1935, in La Crosse to John H. and Gladys (Bichel) Ideker. In 1954, he married Phyllis in Brownsville, Minn., and she preceded him in death in 2005. Robert and Phyllis farmed on German Ridge in Hokah for many years. Robert also worked for Trane Company for over 40 years before retiring in 1995. In 2006, he married Kathleen Graf. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; three children, Jean (Mark) Schwanbeck, Jaynie (Joe) Sheffer, and Joe (Karen) Ideker; and daughter-in-law, Becky Ideker. Robert is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Jeana (Jeff) Slocum, James Ideker, Alan (Maria) Ideker, John (Grace) Ideker, Anna (Kevin) Pohlman, Kate Ideker, Melanie (Nick) Frydenlund, Jared (Judith) Ideker, Josiah (Cheyenne) Ideker, Naomi Ideker, Rebecca Ideker, Rachel (Matt) DeJarlais, Adam Sheffer, Jake (Em) Sheffer, Jennifer Ideker, Jessica (Adam) Heberlein, and Maria Ideker; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John “Fritz” (Beverly) Ideker and Russel (Janet) Ideker; and one sister, Mildred (Dale) Lorenz. In addition to his first wife, Phyllis, Robert was preceded in death by a son, Bob Jr. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at the Community Church in Hokah. The Rev. Dave Possing will officiate. Interment will be at a later date at the Zion Evangelical Cemetery in Brownsville. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Community Church in Hokah or the Hokah Fire Department/First Responders. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is assisting the family.