Ida Mae (Alke)Thacker, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California. She was born on August 5, 1927, in Wesley, Iowa, to George and Anna Alke.

Ida was the loving wife of the late Paul Thacker, Jr. Together, they raised four children: Paul III (deceased), Kirk (Elizabeth) of Laguna Niguel, CA, Jill Nielsen (Eric) of Prescott, AZ, and Thomas of La Conner, WA.

Growing up on a farm near Titonka, Ida cherished her upbringing alongside her siblings: George, John, Henry (Hank), William (Bud), Christina, Vollina, Ann, and Mary.  She helped do chores around the farm along with her siblings. Later on, she and her sister Ann owned and operated Ann & Ida's Cafe in Titonka until Ida married Paul on May 17, 1953. Her bond with her family remained strong throughout her life, despite the miles between them.

Ida and Paul's journey together took them to various small towns in Iowa before settling in Spencer for 18 years. Later, they made their home in Mt. Vernon, WA, where they spent 21 memorable years. Ida's love for children led her to run a daycare both in Iowa and during her time in Washington, a testament to her nurturing and caring nature. Ida and Paul also took several foster children into their care.

Ida had a deep faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and was heavily involved in her church, participating in choir, Sunday school, Bible studies, Stephen Ministry, and other activities.   She had a passion for baseball, cheering on the Mariners during her time in Washington and later becoming an Angels fan upon moving to California. Additionally, Ida found joy in the arts and began drawing after taking a course, showcasing her creativity and talent. She also liked to sew, do crafts, and bake and decorate birthday cakes for her daycare kids. She also became an avid reader in her later years.

In retirement, Ida and Paul relocated to Laguna Woods, CA and attended Lutheran Church of the Cross. Ida's warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind cherished memories and an enduring legacy of love. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Ida is survived by her sister Mary Schwandt of Overland Park, KS, children Kirk, Jill, and Thomas, as well as her grandchildren Matthew Nielsen of Mesa, AZ, Christopher (Mariah) Nielsen of Orange, CA, and Alexander and Katelyn Thacker of Laguna Niguel, CA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A service and reception to celebrate Ida's life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Laguna Woods, CA. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Riverside National Cemetery.