Ted L. Ihnen, 93, North Manchester, was reunited in Heaven with his wife of sixty-four years, Jacqueline, on August 17, 2023. The son of George and Eloise (Murphy) Ihnen, Ted was born on August 2, 1930, in Wabash County, where he enjoyed growing up with two brothers and two sisters.
After graduating from Laketon High School in 1948, Ted met the love of his life, Jacqueline Gill, at her foster mother’s grocery store. Ted and Jackie got to know each other before Ted left for the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea during his two years of active service, and Jackie wrote to Ted daily. After returning home from active duty, Ted and Jackie were married on September 20, 1953, at the First Brethren Church in North Manchester, where they both were members and attended faithfully. Ted’s world changed forever on October 29, 2017 when he lost his beloved wife.
Following their nuptials, Ted served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. They began to grow their family and were blessed with three children, Laura, Shirley, and Max. Ted worked hard to provide the best life possible for his wife and children. He raised hogs and owned his own farm truck, allowing him to haul for the former Gaerte Fertilizer as well as for various area farmers. He also worked for Peabody Seating Company and did body repair work at Kerlin Sales in Silver Lake. For relaxation, Ted enjoyed his membership with the Laketon Lions Club and rooting for Manchester High School athletics.
The loving memory of Ted Ihnen will be forever cherished by his son, Max (Linda Myers) Ihnen, Fort Wayne; daughters, Shirley Fetrow, North Manchester and Laura (Frank) Crowe, Louisa, Virginia; brother, Pat (Karen) Ihnen, North Manchester and Mike Ihnen, Fort Wayne; sister, Sue Helvey, Wabash; grandchildren, Steven (Kathryn) Crowe, Michael (Grace Cushman) Crowe, Matthew (Lauren Koegler) Ihnen, Andrea (Brock) Shultz, Amy Ihnen, Erica (Ryan) Freeman, Aaron (Jodi) Fetrow, and Linda Fetrow; and great-grandchildren, Virginia Crowe, Caroline Crowe, Michael Miller Crowe, Bryce Shultz, Maci Shultz, Lane Shultz, Charlie Ihnen, Walter Ihnen, Kaya (Brookes) Marshall, Maeby Freeman, Klaus Freeman, Jadon Fetrow, Zach Fetrow, Alex Craft, and Hunter Craft. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jackie Ihnen; sister, Carolyn Enyeart; grandsons, Kyle Ihnen and Jared Airgood; and daughter in-law, Barbara Ihnen.
Family and friends may call Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with calling beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, with Pastor Kurt Stout officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, with a military service provided by the American Legion Post 286 and the United States Army.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Ted Ihnen, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.
The family of Ted Ihnen has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com