Ivo Albers

Ivo Bernard Albers, age 91, of rural Montezuma passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. He was born on March 26, 1934 to Alfred and Rosa (Homan) Albers in the same home he would pass away in 91 years later.

After attending the Franklin one-room schoolhouse, then the consolidated Franklin Elementary, he graduated from Coldwater High School in 1952. He would then go on to serve in the United States Army.

After coming back from the Army, he asked Therese “Terri” Gepfrey for a dance at the Crystal Ball in Frenchtown. She accepted his invitation, which led to dating and their eventual marriage on August 8, 1964 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Dayton. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2023.

Together they had five children, along with their significant others: Steve of Montezuma, Dan and Misty of Montezuma, Janice and Philip Gibbon of Bala Cynwyd, PA, Mark and Kundi Azibo of Atlanta, GA, and Darrin and Samantha of Fort Collins, CO. They were later blessed with five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who brought great joy to their lives.

Ivo was a lifelong farmer and worked as a carpenter for several area contractors. He was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma, including as a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of American Legion Post #470 in Coldwater. He was an avid, lifelong fan of Notre Dame Football.

He is survived by his brother Luke Albers of Clayton, OH and in-laws Wil and Pat Gepfrey of Lapeer, MI, Miriam Macke of Mansfield, OH, Earl Newton of La Crosse, WI, Sandy Gepfrey of Troy, OH and Fay Gepfrey of Laughlin, NV.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother Gene and his wife Leona, sister Lucille Newton, sister Vi and her husband Paul Wachter, and in-laws Judy Albers, Herman and Rosetta Baltes, Gene and Kathy Gepfrey, Merle and Kate Frankhouser, Paul Gepfrey, Jim Gepfrey, and Maynard Macke.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma. Burial with military rites will follow in Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Friday, November 14th, and from 9 to 10 AM on Saturday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Lake Hospice or the Cancer Association of Mercer County. The family is deeply grateful to Jenny Everman as well as the nurses, doctors, and caregivers who supported him with compassion, expertise, and patience. Condolences may be left at Hogenkampfh.com.