On Saturday, December 8, 2018, Les slipped peacefully into Heaven surrounded by three generations of love. Les and his loving wife Cheryl were married in 1966, recently celebrating 52 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, Melisa (Joe) Sykora, Lindy (Nick) Kanavas, and Brandon (Laura) Ibach. The proud grandparents enjoyed touting the achievements of Megan Kanavas, Zoe Kanavas, Robby Ibach, Chris Ibach, Darby Ellis, Nathan Ibach, Sammy Ibach, Kaylee Ibach, Ariana Sykora, and Caden Sykora. Blazing the trail for the fourth generation is Megan’s son Angelo Saya-Ang.
Les is also survived by siblings Marilyn Roeber, Ruth (Kent) Hill, Robert (Paula) Ibach, David (Barbara) Ibach, and Darlene (Ron) Puckett, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Mabel (Selstad) Ibach, and brothers-in-law John Mitchell and Donald Roeber.
Les was born a PK (pastor’s kid) in 1942, in Waterford Township, MI, the fourth of six children of Robert and Mabel Ibach. He liked to say he was born during Sunday School, but still made it to church on time. Along with his siblings, he participated in his father’s ministry throughout his early years, including playing trumpet and serving as choir director. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Les went on to earn an MBA, leading to a long and distinguished career in accounting and finance, with the majority of his years spent in the insurance industry.
Les was introduced to Cheryl Johnson by his sister, Ruth Hill. They married in 1966 and moved to the Milwaukee area in 1967. They lived in Delafield in the early 70’s and eventually settled in Menomonee Falls in the late 90’s. Cheryl and Les’s lives were made colorful by their three children, Melisa (1967), Lindy (1969), and Brandon (1975). Each blessed their parents with grandchildren, for a total of 10. While Les had always been a great grandpa, he became an actual great-grandfather in 2017.
After retirement, Les enjoyed having more time to read and listen to gospel music. He volunteered at Elmbrook Church, where he helped with accounting and proofreading the bulletin, a perfect application of his passion for vocabulary and grammar.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Les touched the lives of all who knew him. It is with great sadness that we say good-bye. But along with that sadness comes the strong faith that we will all be reunited one day, by the grace of God, for an eternal future together in Heaven.
Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM. Memorial Service to follow at 5:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials Appreciated to the Elmbrook Church, 777 South Barker Road, Brookfield, WI, 53054, or the charity of your choice.
Sacramenta Landrum
left a message on December 10, 2018:
