Anton J. Ibach

Anton James Ibach, of Yakima, is dancing with his family in heaven. Anton was born August 2, 1918 to John and Mary Ibach in Silva, North Dakota and at the age of 92 he passed away on August 15, 2010 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital with his family surrounding him with love and prayers.

Anton (Tony) was an active man who loved music and being in a crowd. Bing form a strong German family Tony (along with his family) spoke fluent German and loved the traditions of the Germany community. Large family weddings and dinners were normal as was paying pinochle. Tony carried these traditions on with his own family and grandchildren. Tony’s family had been farmers in the Dakota’s, a hobby he continued with until he was not able and one that his grandchildren have now taken up.

Tony was a faithful man who prayed always for his family and the community at large. He was very proud to be a Knights of Columbus member and a member of the Holy Names Society. He was an active member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, where he was an usher, a member of the church board and Eucharistic minister.

Tony was part of the original Westside merchants associations and helped the west end of Yakima Avenue come together.

Tony was a great carpenter and used these skills to build his home along with his wife Frances. Tony worked on several large dams in North Dakota, Idaho and Washington. He worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation on the road maintenance crew. Tony retired in June 1983 from formal work but continued to run a small business of recycling in order to earn money for two disabled homes he volunteered with.

Anton met the first love of his life, Frances Morrell at a German dance around 1939 they were married June 3, 1941 at Saint Paul Cathedral.

After Frances passed away in 1982, Tony married Daphna Jenkins.

Tony is survived by his three children, Judi (Randy) Fairbanks of Kirkland, WA; Toni (Mark) Kirschenmann of Yakima and Jack Ibach of Seward, AK; second wife, Daphna of Yakima; eight grandchildren, Benjamin Fairbanks, Sarah Falcon, Erin Fennerty, Sydney Petyo, Rachel Fairbanks, Leslie Ramsey Adams Kirschenmann and Nathan Ibach, as well as sever great grandchildren and two on the way and four step children, Shirley Larson, Dwayne, Roger and Ron Gatlin.

He was preceded in death by Francis, his wife of 41 years; parents, John and Mary Ibach; siblings, Frank, Joe, John, Mike and Ann.

We will miss our dad and grandpa greatly and all the lessons of life he taught us including his wonderful on liners that always put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a gentle giant and one who always said that he loved each of us “By the barrels” and the he was “fine as frog’s hair”. WE love you dad by the barrels and you will always be in our hearts and prayers. God bless and keep you always.

Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2010 and beginning at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, August 19th with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m., at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 20th at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Tony’s name to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Improvement Fund in care of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902

Arrangements under the direction of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.