Ivan Elmer Ping, age 81, of O'Fallon, Ill. passed away Tuesday evening, October 20, 2009. He was born in St. Louis, Mo. to Ivan Henry Ping and Hattie R., nee Elson, Ping.

After serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict, he was a self-employed milkman, a vocation of which he was very proud and found much enjoyment. He farmed with his brother Rich, as a young man and was previously employed at Cahokia Racetrack. His true passion and most loved hobby was owning and breeding race horses. He could often be found at the big round table at the former O'Fallon Feedbag Restaurant, drinking his morning coffee and telling stories with his buddies. Ivan loved his family and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, a 58-year member of A.F. & A.M. Lodge 576, Dania Shrine Club, Enterprise Grange, and O'Fallon First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Ann, nee Richardson, Ping whom he married Aug. 14, 1954. Also surviving are his children, Nancy Lee Ping, Donna Ping, Les (Yvonne) Ping, all of O'Fallon, Jim (Mary) Ping of Highland, Ruth (Jerry) Waeltz, and Rich Ping, all of O'Fallon; siblings Betty Ping of O'Fallon, Richard (Margie) Ping of Belleville, Paul (Marilyn) Ping of Coulterville, Ill., and Elsie (Murray) Aron of Fresno, Calif., and brother-in-law Dale Touchette of Northfield, Minn. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who thought their grandpa was awesome.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ann Touchette.

In memory of Mr. Ping, memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Shriners Hospital for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon. The Enterprise Grange will conduct a service at 6:00 p.m. and Masonic Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill., with Rev. Joel Catlin, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery.