Donald Idecker

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Donald Idecker, 78, of Hecker, IL, born May 10, 1941, to Herb and Ethel Idecker of Freeburg IL, peacefully left this world to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Don began working at the Dial Corporation (formerly Purex) as a very young man creating plastic detergent bottles.  Thirty-five years later, he retired to enjoy fishing, hunting and his new role as “Papa.” He served with Army Reserves and was a member of Frieden’s United Church of Christ.

Resourceful, fun loving, comical, hardworking, old school, outdoorsy, woodsman, hunter, fisherman, jitter bug king (with Mom, the jitter bug queen), eccentric artist, proud grandfather, word search champ are just a few words to describe our Dad.  We were truly blessed for so many years to have a wonderful “Papa” for our 3 kids (Cassidy, Ty & Kiana Mei) before frontotemporal dementia stole his thunder.  Our Dad has taught us so much about nature when he was healthy and so much about life when he was ill.

Dad’s goal in life seemed to be to make us laugh. As kids, when we were not happy Dad would say in a really goofy voice, “Why you mad at me, I’m not mad at you?” Who couldn’t laugh at that? He managed to still make us laugh even in his last months and didn’t even realize it. Thank you for the funny memories, Dad!  We’ll miss you!

By the amazing mercy and grace of God, Dad now has pure joy and a beautifully restored mind at his eternal home in Heaven with Jesus. This is not goodbye, it is see you soon…

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Ethel, nee Lackmann, Idecker; a beloved brother & sister-in-law Gary and Peggy Idecker; and beloved son-in-law, Brian Neff.

Surviving are his wife of over 54 years, Marianne V. (Gauch) Idecker;
his daughters Michelle Neff (Bill Buhs), and Jill (Keith) Singleton;
grandchildren Cassidy Neff, Ty and Kiana Mei Singleton;
along with many nieces and nephews, in-laws, relatives, and friends;
and his beloved dog, Lady.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made to AFTD, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration in memory of Don Idecker. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: A celebration of life to be held for family & friends at a later date when COVID pandemic ends and we are able to hug again!

Condolences:

10 Comments on Donald Idecker

Kenny and Gerry Zika said : Guest Report Apr 30, 2020 at 12:23 PM

So sorry for your loss!!

  • Belleville
  • I’ll.
Wally & Gloria Bowman said : Guest Report Apr 28, 2020 at 2:08 PM

So sorry for your loss. Be thankful for many great memories

  • Eureka
  • Mo
Elaine said : Guest Report Apr 26, 2020 at 10:18 PM

Marianne, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Please accept our sincere sympathy and will keep u and your family in our prayers. Mom (Janet) sends her sympathy too. Hold on to those wonderful memories. Elaine and Marvin Gregson

  • New Athens
  • Illinois
Butch & Leigh Ford said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2020 at 9:46 AM

We are very sorry for your loss. We know all to well the pain of having a parent with dementia and how it slowly robs you of your loved one. We are praying for your family during this time. Butch, Leigh, Collin and Kylie ♥️

  • VALMEYER
  • IL
John & Gayle Miller said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2020 at 8:17 AM

Maryann, Shelley, Jill and families: our deepest sympathy for your loss. So many good memories together. Good friends, neighbors. We will always remember our times together, especially the dances. He will be sadly missed

  • MILLSTADT
  • Illinois
John & Joyce Dittmann said : Guest Report Apr 25, 2020 at 7:53 AM

Marianne and family Sorry to hear of Don's passing. I Remember playing basketball against him in grade school, and was a classmate for 4 years in high school. Went fishing and hunting together while in high school. Just remember the good times and share your stories with family.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
John & Alice Kuehn said : Guest Report Apr 24, 2020 at 6:51 PM

Maryann and family, So sorry to read of Donnie's passing. We'd see him walking his dog in Hecker many times. He was a good guy, he'll be missed. We will keep your family in our prayers.

  • NEW ATHENS
  • IL
Sandra Rodenberg said : Guest Report Apr 24, 2020 at 1:52 PM

Sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Fults
  • IL
Jubi Roth said : Guest Report Apr 24, 2020 at 10:25 AM

Shelly & Jill, Praying for you and your families and wishing you feelings of strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Columbia
  • IL
Nancy & Craig Yarbrough said : Guest Report Apr 24, 2020 at 7:04 AM

Our thoughts & prayers go out to MaryAnn, Jill & Shelly and their families. We always called him Donnie and will always remember him growing up as neighbors and good friends of our parents. We have such great memories of hanging out, fishing and boating at the clubhouse. I'll always remember his sense of humor among many other traits. I know he is now in heaven reconnecting with Dad sharing stories and memories. He will always be remembered.

  • Waterloo
  • IL

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