Larry Eugene Ihnen, 79, Silver Lake, and formerly of North Manchester, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 6, 2023. Born on May 28, 1943, in Wabash County, Indiana, Larry was the son of the late Walter E. and Donas (Kamp) Ihnen.
During high school, Larry worked at Armey and Son Masonry, which was owned by his stepfather, Milburn “Babe” Armey, where he learned the trade of becoming a mason. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1961, he continued to work at Armey and Son Masonry, where he became a partner until he retired. Larry bought a farm in 1967, which became his second job and allowed him to lay the foundation of his family. On April 30, 1966, Larry wed the love of his life, Connie Enyeart. During their fifty-seven years of marriage, the two were blessed with a daughter, Melissa, and a son, Tim. In 1978 Larry started building his house on the farm, and it was the home in which he and Connie still lived. Brick by brick and board by board, Larry was an incredible provider, father figure, and gentleman, always doing what was right and fair. Larry was strong-willed and straight-forward, but he always respected others. He enjoyed telling jokes and stories, but most of all he loved being with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. He was quite proud of the work he accomplished in his life.
In the early 1960s, Larry drove race cars locally, adding a few wins to his name. He loved tinkering with cars and once restored a 1961 Ford Galaxy that was similar to the one he bought while in high school. Larry had a passion for antique cars. During his younger years he also had a deep love and appreciation for the Boy Scouts and was a member of the JayCee’s.
The loving memory of Larry Ihnen will be forever cherished by his wife, Connie Ihnen, Silver Lake; daughter, Melissa (Ken) Kania, North Manchester; son, Tim (Kristi Webster) Ihnen, Warsaw; brothers, Richard (Janet) Ihnen, Warsaw and Brian (Alice) Ihnen, Suffolk, Virginia; sister, Susan (Larry) Dockter, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Steven (Ashley) Lent, Barbra (Todd) Morphew, Holden Ihnen, Carter Ihnen, and Raeann Ihnen; great-grandchildren, Brent Morphew and Brantley Lent; and several nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Donas and Milburn “Babe” Armey; father and stepmother, Walter and Dorothy Ihnen; sister, Linda Riggle; and niece, Sara Dockter.
Family and friends may call Friday, May 12, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Larry Ihnen, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 465, 9369 North 1000 West-35, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Larry Ihnen has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com