Obituary for John F. “Fritz” Ideker

John Fredrick (“Fritz”) Ideker, 93, of Hokah, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on December 12, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Fritz was born on September 8, 1932 to John & Gladys (Bichel) Ideker.  He met the love of his life, Beverly Bolduan, at the Houston County Fair, and they were married on October 6, 1956.  Together they worked their dairy farm along with their two sons.

Fritz was known for his warmth and kindness. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Fritz and Beverly enjoyed square dancing for many years. They loved to play cards and enjoyed being part of the 500 Card Club for over 50 years. Fritz was always up for playing a competitive game of Joker with his family. He loved to ride through the pasture on his Ranger to see the crops, cattle and beautiful scenery; to him, this area was heaven on earth.  His strong faith in God brought him comfort and his positive outlook kept him cheerful. 

Fritz is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly, who selflessly cared for him at home the last 17 years, his 3 children, Karen (Bernie) Schwanbeck, Fred (Annette) Ideker, and Rita (Jason) Erdman, 8 grandchildren, Steven, Ashley, Mike, Tim, Julie, Haley, Emily and Evan, 3 great grandchildren, Brandon, Hanna and Ayla, sister Mildred (Dale) Lorenz, sisters-in-law Janet Ideker, Marjorie Ivers and Sharon (David) Hefte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Harold, brothers Robert and Russel, sisters-in-law Phyllis Ideker, Kathy Graf Ideker, and brother-in-law Harold Ivers.

Special thanks to son Fred, who helped care for his parents each day in recent years so they could remain on the farm, and to neighbor Darin Ideker who assisted many times.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 17, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 Kingston Street, Caledonia, MN.  Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

A visitation at the church will be held from 9:30 am to the time of service, Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church.