Eldora Regina Ides

Eldora Regina (Gruber) Ides, 94, passed away surrounded by family in Park Falls on September 7, 2016. Born one of 10 children to Ella and William Gruber in Eisenstein, Wisconsin, Dori lived close to her friends and family in Park Falls most of her life. One of Dori’s most outstanding characteristics was her fierce love for and loyalty to her family and friends. She met her husband Jack Ides at the age of 19, and was married after only two months of courtship. She often spoke about the fun she had with other Army wives while following Jack around the country prior to his deployment overseas during WWII. While in the service, Dori and Jack wrote to each other every day. Upon his return, they started several successful businesses in Park Falls, including Jack & Dori’s, a bar, dance hall, and roller rink, which later became Suburban Furniture on Hwy 182. During her years working alongside her husband, Dori showed an independence not always held by women of her generation. She and Jack worked many long hours at their bar and managing the furniture business. The couple achieved their dream of building a house next to their store, where she lived until this past June. Dori and Jack had two children, Linda and Terry. They raised a variety of pets at their home; among the most famous were their flock of peacocks, and their tame deer named Lady. Unfortunately, just as Jack was preparing to retire at the age of 56, he passed away suddenly. Dori often said of him, “I could not have asked for a better husband.” Though she never truly moved on from Jack’s death, Dori continued to lead a full and independent life. She journeyed through Europe and Morocco with her daughter, Linda, and traveled throughout the U.S. to spend time with her two grandchildren Lindsay and Darin. She was often seen riding her 3-wheeler, and loved fishing and walking Terry’s hunting trails. She rarely lost at Cribbage or Sheepshead. She attended Lindsay’s matriculation into medical school and Darin’s wedding to Lindsey Schultz last year. She was a strong support and role model for her grandchildren, frequently sent long hand-written letters, and was always available for long talks on the phone. Until this past June, at the age of 94, Dori was living independently, driving her Jeep, gardening, and cooking large family meals of our favorite pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. She will be tremendously missed. Dori is survived by her children Linda (John) Reardon and Terry (JoAnn) Ides, grandchildren Dr. Lindsay Reardon and Darin (Lindsey) Ides, her brother Robert Gruber, and sister Annabel Abel. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents William and Ella, her brothers Edward, Leonard, William, and her sisters Helen, Lucille, Margaret and Marie. Memorial service will be held on Monday September 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at St Anthony's Catholic Church in Park Falls. Deacon Chet Ball and Deacon Jim Gruber will Officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday September 12. 2016 at 10:00 am until the hour of service at the church The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the Family. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Flambeau Home Health and Hospice.

Eldora Regina Ides

May 17, 1922 - September 7, 2016