IDA JANE (BLANKENBECKLER) MARR was born November 15, 1923, in Burt County, Nebraska  to Jim and Josie (King) Blankenbeckler. She passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the Elmwood Care Centre in Onawa, Iowa at the age of 84 years.

Ida attended school in Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School in 1940. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Dana College and taught many children in and around Decatur for 51 years. After her retirement, Ida continued to substitute for many more years. Ida started her teaching career at the Deman School in rural Burt County at the age of 16.

 Ida married William “Bud” Marr January 13, 1954, in Dakota City, Nebraska and after brief stays in the Los Angeles, California area, Eugene, Oregon, and Omaha, Nebraska, they made their home in Decatur.

Ida was active in many of the Decatur organizations including being an officer with Maple Villa, as well as being active in the United Methodist Church in Decatur.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bill Blankenbeckler.

Survivors include her husband: Bud of Decatur; two sons and daughter-in-laws: John and June Small, Dan and Konnie Small all of Decatur; stepson: Ivan Marr of Decatur, 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE:  Friday, October 24, 2008, 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Decatur.

VISITATION:  Thursday, October 23, 2008, 4 – 8 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service all at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah.

BURIAL:  Hillcrest Cemetery in Decatur.

MEMORIALS: United Methodist Church, Decatur.