Donald F. Ihde, 95, of Watertown (formerly of Bella Vista, Arkansas), passed away on September 24, 2025, at Spero Heritage Homes in Watertown, just 9 days prior to his 96th birthday.

He was born in the Town of Shields, WI to Fred and Ella (Hoefs) Ihde on October 3, 1929. He spent his childhood in Richwood, WI, where he attended St. Mark's grade school and later graduated from Watertown High School. In 1951, he married Doris Borck at St. Luke's Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown. They began married life in Alaska where Don was stationed while in the army during the Korean war. Later he joined the army reserves. They raised a family in Watertown and Waukesha where Don worked for Envirex. Don enjoyed a long retirement in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he gardened, golfed, and served as a founding member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church where he and Doris were active members. Doris passed away in Arkansas in July of 2024. Don is also preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Margie and Ruby, and granddaughter Rachele.

Don is survived by his children Steven (Sue) Ihde, Debra (Charles) Guthrie, James Ihde, and Joel (Laurie) Ihde, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00am on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Richwood Cemetery.

Many thanks to Spero Heritage Homes in Watertown, Rainbow Hospice from Jefferson, and the friends in Arkansas.

Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence please visit www.sv-fh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Donald Ihde's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Funeral Services Provided By

Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Watertown

500 Welsh Road, Watertown, WI 53098

Make a Donation
in Donald Ihde's name

How to support Donald's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025), president of the LDS Church

George Hardy (1925–2025), trailblazing Tuskegee Airman

Voddie Baucham (1969–2025), prominent Reformed Baptist pastor

Belva Davis (1932–2025), pioneering TV journalist