Husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather. Uncle, brother, brother-in-law, son. Teacher, coach, mentor, advisor, friend. Todd Robert Ihrcke was born on June 19, 1962 to Irl and Donna (Johnson) Ihrcke in Waukesha, WI. He joined siblings Cheryl, and Jeff.

Todd graduated from Waukesha North High School. During those years he forged friendships that lasted his lifetime including those with Dan and Amy Weast and Tom and Lisa Sheedy. Todd left Waukesha to attend college at UW-LaCrosse, graduating with a degree in elementary education. In 1985, an offer to teach first grade in Westby brought him to the place he came to call home for the rest of his life. Throughout the years Todd served in many positions within the Westby Area School District. He taught first grade, fourth grade, was the Dean of Students, High School Principal and Superintendent. Most recently he returned to the district as the Athletic Director, a role that allowed him to come full circle and end where he started. He bled Norsemen red.

It was in Westby that he met his wife, Nancy. They were married on July 18, 1987. Todd and Nancy have three sons: Brandon Todd, Tyler Leon and Kaleb Lee and have welcomed daughters-in-law: Shawn, Ashley, and Marissa and grandbabies: Peyton Marie, Deacon Leon, Liam Todd, and baby Ihrcke, due in October. His boys were his pride and joy and he warmly welcomed their wives into the fold.

Todd loved this area. He loved the sense of community and the way people rallied around a cause. He loved the waters and the woods. Over the years, there were many good times boating, fishing and hunting both with family and with friends. A skilled water skier himself, he taught his boys, his nieces and nephews, and any of their friends who were fortunate enough to hang out with the kids, to water ski. Todd even skied barefoot a few times. Lots of great memories were made on the water. Fish and swim outings on the pontoon just won’t be the same. Todd was a talented and accomplished golfer as well and loved when he could be out on the course. He and Nancy would often go out late Sunday afternoons when the course had quieted down.

Sports were an important part of Todd’s life. He was the first coach his sons had and he never missed a game that they played. Once his boys were done competing in their sports he faithfully followed his nieces and nephews in theirs.

It was rare for him to miss a game or meet. Anyone who attended a Westby sporting event can attest to the fact that kids seemed to gravitate to Todd, and he loved the “tough” ones just a little more, whether on the field or court or in the classroom or life. He was a champion for all Westby kids, believing they deserved the best from every adult in the school system every day. His presence at school will be sorely missed. Teaching, coaching, mentoring. That was who Todd was.

Many Westby athletes called him “Coach” and benefited from his teaching of the game both early in his career, and again in these last two years. His nieces, Maycee and Erin, were lucky to be added to the list of athletes coached by Todd.

In the last eight years we have been fortunate to enjoy many family trips together exploring the U.S. Memories of trips to Hawaii, Glacier, Yellowstone, South Dakota, Acadia, Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, Tybee Island, Colorado and Orange Beach are many and precious. Todd loved exploring National Parks and fell in love with Hawaii.

As many of you know, Todd could often be spotted around town on one of his countless walks. Rain or shine, freezing winter or sizzling summer, and sometimes more than once in a day he’d set out on one of his routes. People always knew it was Todd. Faithful and consistent. Dedicated. One year ago Todd completed Grandma’s Marathon along with Brandon, Tyler, Keith, Konner, Dave, Owen and Alex. It was an amazing day and one he was very proud of.

Todd died on June 13, 2024, 6 days shy of his 62nd birthday leaving behind the family that loved him deeply, along with a multitude of friends and people who were touched by his life. He will be missed beyond measure.

Todd’s family would like to give special thanks to his hospice nurse, Jason Mowery, who stepped in and immediately made a connection and relationship with Todd. Jason took wonderful care of him, and they shared many meaningful conversations.

In honoring Todd’s wishes a brief Memorial Service will be held at Viroqua Hills Golf Course on Sunday, June 23rd at 4:00 p.m. A time of remembrance and sharing will follow. In lieu of plants or flowers, he asked that monetary donations be considered to Chaseburg Soleburner or to another cause that was near and dear to his heart. Individual thank yous will not be sent. Instead a donation will be made in Todd’s name.

Todd Ihrcke: “It’s never as good or as bad as it may seem.”
“Control what you can control: your attitude and your effort. The rest will take care of itself.”