Albert George Ideler, 96

Albert George Ideler, 96, of Woodstock passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a very long, happy and healthy life, and in his own words “everyone should be so lucky.”

He was born on the family farm in Bonrechtern, Germany on April 19, 1928 to Johanna and Anton Ideler. In his mid-twenties he left Germany and immigrated to the United States to start his new life. He was sponsored by an old family friend, a landscaper in Crystal Lake, who helped bring him to Woodstock. Once he was settled and had a steady job he sent for Leni, his fiancé, who then came to the United States as well. They were married in Johnsburg, IL, on November 12, 1955, by a German speaking priest.

Albert was a loving husband, father, opa and opapa. He was a very talented carpenter and woodworker, becoming his lifelong career, which he loved. He built his own home in Woodstock, raising his family there and staying in that house until his last day. He was also an avid gardener who had a large yard and vegetable garden which he was very proud of.

He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock, using his talents to build some beautiful wooden pieces that are still being used in the church today. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus, also serving as Grand Knight for a number of years. He was a proud union member of Carpenters Local #2087 for over 30 years, serving on the board for many years as both President and Vice President.

After retiring he and his wife Leni enjoyed many wonderful trips around the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, visiting family in Germany, and spending the month of March in Fountain Hills, Arizona for 25 years.

Albert’s biggest passion was his family. After raising their 4 children he jumped right into the role of opa to their 8 grandchildren and then opapa to their 20 great grandchildren, a number he was extremely proud of. His greatest joy was watching the little ones play and run around his large, beautiful backyard when they came to visit, which to his great pleasure, was very often. He was always there to lend a helping hand wherever he was needed. All of his children and grandchildren have some beautiful wooden pieces of furniture in their homes that were made by his loving hands, which will be forever treasured. He was adored and known as opa to all.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Leni, in January 2021, his siblings, Adele, Clara, Clemens, Mia, and Theresia.

He is survived by his brother Alois (Carol) Ideler, his four children Edgar Ideler, Rita (Ray) Caywood, Monica (Dan) Starck and Maria (Paul) Sandall, 8 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Eric) Sullivan, Amanda (Mike) Rindt, Jessica (Adam) Estrada, Justine (Jonathan) O’Brien, Jason (Katie) Starck, Nathan (Kali) Starck, Tanner (Jessica) Sandall, Travis (Caitlin) Sandall. 20 great grandchildren, Logan, Caleb and Bentley Sullivan, Shylee, Braelyn and Della Rindt, Dakota and Easton Estrada, Bria, Weston, Shelby and Chase O’Brien, Bailey, Helena and McCabe Starck, Carson, Belle and Carter Starck, Blakely and (baby boy coming in August) Sandall and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Avenue Woodstock.  Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Journey Care (Hospice) Foundation, journeycare.org/donate.