FOX, Ivo James 1913-2019

KEHOE, SMALLEY, LEINENKUGEL, ONEILL

Posted By: D FOX ENGELHARDT (email)
Date: 11/7/2024 at 16:45:09

Ivo James Fox, 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed peacefully on January 25, 2019 at Marquette Manor, Indianapolis, IN.

He was born August 16, 1931 on the family farm in Douglas Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of John C. and Vern (Kehoe) Fox. He was raised on the farm with his late brother Robert Fox and cousin Sister Bertha Fox & late cousin Jeanice (Fox) Janes, known as the "gang of four" while younger sister Rosie (Fox) O'Neill, cousin Ellen (Fox) Dunn & late cousin David Fox watched and often felt lucky to tag along with the group. Ivo's eldest sister, Mary Jane (Fox) Leinenkugel, was serving in the Army Nurses Corp during World War II and was away from Iowa during this time. Ivo graduated from St. Mary's Academy in New Haven, Iowa and attended some college at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa.

Ivo served with the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal. He was sent to California for the 29th replacement draft to the 1st Marine Division in Korea earning 2 campaign stars during his service. He served in the Korean War 1951-1953.

Ivo married Karen (Smalley) Fox November 26, 1960 and they had four children. Ivo worked tirelessly on the farm raising hogs and cattle & growing corn and beans. He enjoyed John Deere tractors, tinkering in the machine shed on the farm, and he took great delight in commenting on farming styles. He spent many an hour at the New Haven Hardware Store (owned by late brother-in-law, Norman "Bud" Leinenkugel) and indulged many a sweet tooth with candy bars & cold pops. He loved playing cards and sharing stories with neighbors and spent many nights doing both at the Tavern in New Haven, Iowa. He loved going fishing with late nephew, Joe Leinenkugel and cherished time spent with him on the weekends.

Ivo was a 60-year member of American Legion Post #278, Osage, Iowa. He was proud to be a Legion member and made a point to visit local posts wherever he went. Ivo was a good friend and neighbor who always had a remark to make one laugh. Ivo shared deep friendships with so many, especially Mitch Lubbert and late friend Duane Birkholz. Ivo loved spending time with his grandchildren especially when it came time for ice cream and pumpkin pie.

Ivo moved to Indianapolis, IN in 2016 and was quick to make friends with neighbors, caretakers, and fellow Veterans. He attended the Indianapolis Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2017 and he was pleased to have given Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett a shout to attention with a generous nod back.

Ivo is survived by his beloved sister, Rosie (Fox) O'Neill, daughter Dr. Dianna Fox (Dr. Kamnesh Pradhan) and sons: Chuck Fox, Mike Fox, and John Fox. He is also survived by loving grandchildren: Dustin Fox, Cody Fox, Emma Fox, Patrick Fox, Vikram Pradhan, and Sanjana Pradhan. He has been blessed by the loving care of niece Peggy O'Neill and the extension of love from all the nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and family, who have sent pictures, updates from the family, and Iowa Hawkeye memorabilia. He is survived by sister-in-law, Virginia (Roetto) Fox. He is also survived by Karen (Smalley) Fox with whom marriage was dissolved.

Ivo was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Mary Jane (Fox) Leinenkugel, brothers: Kenneth Fox & Robert Fox, brother-in-law Bob O'Neill, and beloved cousins: David Fox & Jeanice (Fox) Janes, nephews: Thomas Leinenkugel, Paul Leinenkugel, and longtime fishing partner, Joe Leinenkugel, and niece Patti (O'Neill) Hinders.

Visitation for Ivo will be held at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Indianapolis, IN on February 14, 2019 from 9-11 am with mass to follow at 11:00 am.

Interment will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on February 15, 2019 at 2 pm in Adel, Iowa. American Legion Post #403 will host military honors and presentation of the flag.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church 2985 360th St, New Haven IA 50461 and to St. Monica's Catholic Church 6131 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis IN 46228.