Ida Wildung

Ida Luchterhand (Beyer) Wildung

Ida was the youngest of Frank and Marie Luchterhand's four daughters. She was born at home August 8th 1923 in the Township of Grant, Shawano County, Wisconsin. She spent her childhood growing up on the family farm and getting into mischief with her sister Renata. She usually said "Natee" thought it up and she just tagged along (but we're sure she instigated an adventure or two as well.) Ida's first big move was to Green Bay to attend Beauty School following high school. Upon completion of her training she left the big city to return to Shawano to work. Within a few years she was able to start her own beauty shop in Tigerton, WI. This was closer to home and family. During this time her sisters helped her make ends meet as well as taking her along to dances and social activities. She eventually caught the eye of her future husband Herbert Beyer. They were married May 1947 after he returned home from the service in Germany. They made their home in Tigerton. They had a son Frederic and daughter Linda but Herb died unexpectedly in 1954. Ida made it through the next 3 years with the help of her sisters and friends. She then met her second husband, Lea Wildung, through a friend who eventually became her sister-in-law. Ida and Lea married in September 1957 creating a "his (Ken, Tim, Mark), hers, and eventually ours" family when daughter Christine was born. After the wedding, Ida made her second big move by relocating to Conner, MT where Lea had a ranch. There she helped milk cows, harvest crops and raise a family. Over the next 5 years the family made a series of moves from Conner to Darby and eventually the Missoula/Milltown area. During this time Ida again began working as a beautician ultimately having a shop in her home near Milltown. She and Lea retired and moved back to Conner in 1979.

Ida was involved in her church. She enjoyed playing both bridge and pinochle sometimes playing both in the same day. She enjoyed creating with different art mediums but oil painting became her favorite. She gifted many friends and family with her work. She and Lea enjoyed square dancing and often traveled to festivals around the state and region. They also traveled around the country and internationally to visit family, friends, and to see the sights.

Ida moved on to where there are no aches and pains of a well-lived life on March 22, 2011 and where she can play cards on a grander scale. She is survived by her son Fred "Rick" Beyer (Lynda) of Milltown, MT, daughters Linda Beyer of Hamilton, MT, and Christine of Manitowoc, WI, Stepsons Ken (Karla) of Vacaville, CA, Tim (Rhonda) of Gilbert, AZ, and Mark (Beverly) of Milltown, her honorary son, Eddie Smith of Darby, MT, and way too many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren to mention.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Faith Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Ida's name.