Howard E. Ives, 81, of Eau Claire died Thursday, December 28, 2006, at his home. He was born in Thompson Valley near Osseo, Wisconsin on March 5, 1925, the son of Clyde and Vera (Ketchum) Ives.\r\nHe graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943. \r\nHoward married Shirley I. Heintz (nee-Ganther) on May 12, 1979, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. \r\nHe was a farmer, TV repairman, factory worker, delivery person, janitor, and "Jack of all trades".\r\nHoward is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; three daughters, Diane (Tom) Blomlie of Chippewa Falls; Ronda Nechville of Colorado Springs, CO; and Cheri (Greg) Mattix of Washington, MI; seven grandchildren, Wayne (Barb) Luepke, Tim and Bryan Luepke, Keven and Pam Nechville, Barry Palmquist and Lyndia (Marcus) Zarra; two step-daughters, Janet (Dave) Eberhardt and Judy Heintz both of Eau Claire; step-son, John (Judy) Heintz of Memphis, TN; five step-grandchildren, Joshua and Ashley Heintz, Megan (Nick) Lamphere, Molly (Adam Lepak) Eberhardt, and Bradley (Shawna) Eberhardt; eight great grandchildren; his faithful dog Koko, and cat Joey.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kathy Luepke; and a grandson, Scott Luepke.\r\nHoward's joy in life was spending time with his beloved wife Shirley, his family, and dog Koko. He loved potlucks, picnics, going to the park, and always said "leave it to God and Grandpa Ketch."\r\nFuneral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home with Pastor Carlton Kangas officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and also one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home.\r\n

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