Gene Kenneth Ihrke

Gene Kenneth Ihrke, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, April 8, 2024.

He was born April 29, 1933 to Gustav and Clara (Schuchard) Ihrke in Quincy Township, Rural St. Charles, Minnesota.

Gene married Fern Sanders on December 23, 1953. He was a proud US Army Veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict from July 20, 1953, to June 5, 1955. After returning from his military service, Gene began his lifelong career as a farmer. He also served as the Mayor of Altura, as an Assessor, and was on the board of Our Saviors Moravian Church, Altura Hilltop Development, Elba Coop Creamery, and Norton Township.

Gene is survived by his wife of 70 years, Fern; children, Don (Linda), Clair (Geri), Debra (Rodney) Morcomb, and Nancy Kieffer; son-in-law, John (Jane) Potter; 14 grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris), Rebecca (Andy), Kristi (Bill), Peggy (Josh), Brooke (Joe), Cory (Leah), Brian (Melinda), Casey (Cole), Marc (Lindsey), Erin (Aaron), Brent (Shelby), Ben (Kristine), Danielle (Brad), and Laura; 33 great grandchildren; siblings, Gus (Marilyn), Shirley (Bill), and Lorry (Irvin); sisters-in-law, Mary Jane and Mary; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian; daughter, Kathleen; son-in-law, Dale; and siblings, Beryl, George, Ellsworth, Melvin, Delmer, Robert, Leola, Vernon, Elaine, Joy, and Arley.

A visitation will be held 1pm-4pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Our Savior’s Moravian Church (37 Chapel Dr NW, Altura, MN). Visitation will continue Monday, April 15, 2024, at 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am.