Donald Ihrke

Donald B. Ihrke, 82, of Weeki Wachee, FL formerly of Shelby Twp, MI passed away peacefully at Sturgill HPH Hospice of Brooksville, FL Aug. 3, 2012, after suffering congestive heart failure and chronic lung disease. Donald is survived by his wife, Lois of 62 years; dear father of Karen Capanyola Bryan, Robert Ihrke Sharri, and Ronald Ihrke Jill and the late Cheryl Ann Ihrke Frketic. loving grandfather of Andy Capanyola, Carrie Capanyola, Jon Frketic, Matt Frketic, and Jorie Frketic, Karl Ihrke, Jeni Ihrke, Jessi DeMara Nick, Kaycee Ihrke, and Christi Ihrke. Donald served as a corporal in the United States Army in Germany from 1951 to 1953. His work of more than 30 years as a district manager for the Detroit News was a source of great pride and pleasure, especially the opportunity to work with 100's of paperboys over that time. He owned and operated several businesses independently over the years, most notably Post Laundry & Cleaners of Utica, MI, and, more recently, Clinton Twp, which is currently owned and operated by Don's son, Ronald Ihrke. Don served on the Historical Commission for the city of Utica, MI in the 1980's as he had a strong interest in maintaining the buildings and properties to preserve the history of the city, in the city.
Don was an avid pilot, owned his own plane for many years, and flew extensively over the continental United States, Mexico and the Caribbean for both business and pleasure, accompanied by his wife and "co-pilot" Lois.
Visitation will be held at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd. 3 blks. E. of Van Dyke Utica, MI. on Wednesday, Aug. 8 from 3:00 to 9:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday at the funeral home. The family requests donations to HPH Hospice Foundation in lieu of flowers. HPH Hospice Foundation, 12107 Majestic Blvd. Hudson, FL, 34667-2455 www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com