Richard "Dean" Ihnken

Richard “Dean” Ihnken, 89, of Elkhart, IN passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital. Dean was born on September 12, 1933 in Dowagiac, MI to August Fred and Jane Marie Ihnken. He married his wife, Dixie, on April 7, 1956, in South Bend, IN.

Dean proudly served his country as a United States Marine, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for volunteering and successfully evacuating wounded Marines under enemy fire in Korea.  He retired from the Elkhart City Fire Department at the age of 70, after 43 years of service.  Dean was known for his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.  He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and his pets.  He and his wife have been members of Grace Lutheran Church in Elkhart for over 60 years.

Dean is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dixie; their children Michelle (Jeff) Russell of Ohio and Michael Ihnken of Illinois; his brother Gene Ihnken of Indiana and several nieces and nephews. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law.

Visitation will be from 10 AM-12 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 831 West Marion Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 where Sister Nora Frost will officiate. Funeral services will be held at noon at the church. Burial will follow at Olive Cemetery in Elkhart. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Dean’s family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or Grace Lutheran Church, 831 West Marion Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 www.gracelutheranelkhart.org/give or Faith Mission of Elkhart, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516 www.thefaithmission.org .  Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com