The Rev. Robert Lee Ihlefeld died on Monday, February 2, 2015 at his home in Silver City, New Mexico, after a long struggle with cancer. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, on July 2, 1936. He graduated from Davenport High School and Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from The Divinity School of the Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later earned a Master of Sacred Theology from Nashotah House Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin.

During his ministry he served churches in Iowa, Florida, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. He was rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Silver City, New Mexico from 1988 until his retirement in 2008. December 2014 marked his 50th year as a priest. He was blessed with four children. Father Ihlefeld wishes folks to know that he is grateful for their love and prayers during his entire ministry. That God chose him for this work was one of his greatest surprises.

Over the years he was a member of Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and Rotary Club in various cities. He was also Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy for a time at W.N.M.U. in Silver City. He wishes to be remembered as a priest who loved his people and his family.

He is survived by his wife Mary, sons Mark Ihlefeld and his wife Toni; Curtis and his wife Xiaowei; Chris Ihlefeld; daughter MaryAnne Elizabeth; brother Richard Ihlefeld and his wife Sandy; grand-children Ben Ronquillo-Ihlefeld, Sarah Elizabeth Ihlefeld, Lacie Rivera Ihlefeld and Luke William Ihlefeld; nephews Craig and Dirk Ihlefeld; and beloved cousins Paul Walters and his wife Linda; Ralph Walters and his wife Darla; and David Walters and his wife Linda. He was preceded in death by his brother James Ludwig Ihlefeld, his mother Bessie Putman Ihlefeld, his father George Ludwig Ihlefeld and his step-mother Charlotte Ihlefeld.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 2195, Silver City, NM 88062.

An evening service of remembrance will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapels beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, February 6, with the Rev. Paul Moore officiating. A Memorial Service of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with the Rev. Paul Moore officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Columbarium at the church. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.