• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Trimmer Ace Illbeck Dies at 71

July 28, 2023 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Hog Ring - Trimmer Ace Illbeck Dies at 71

Trimmer Ace A. Illbeck of Janesville, Wisconsin, has died at age 71.

Ace was born on August 25, 1951 in Janesville. After completing his studies, he pursued a career in auto upholstery.

First, Ace worked for his father then took over the business, Jim’s Auto and Upholstery Trim, which he successfully operated for nearly 40 years. “He took great pride in providing excellent workmanship for the customers he served,” his obituary says.

In his off time, Ace enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and golf, and loved all types of dogs.

Sadly, he died on July 8, 2023 at Agrace Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, where he was surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his three children, Heather Thompson-Kelly, Shane Illbeck and Lacey Illbeck; five grandchildren, Amara and Conner Thompson, Angel, Cameron and Gabriel Illbeck; mother, Dorothy Illbeck; three brothers, Jim Illbeck, Keith Illbeck and Brian Illbeck; two sisters, Kay Ransom and Mary Hayden; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

May he Rest In Peace.

Filed Under: Archive, Obituary Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Jim's Auto and Upholstery Trim

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John Nisselbeck says

    August 1, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    Too many great people leaving us God rest his soul

  2. drift hunters says

    August 16, 2023 at 5:19 am

    He died on July 8, 2023, which was sad.

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Keyston Bros
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Hyde Leather
  • Albright's Supply

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Meet the Trimmers Behind Auto Kustoms

Meet the Trimmers Behind Auto Kustoms

Although our "Meet the Trimmer" series … [more] about Meet the Trimmers Behind Auto Kustoms

Will These Upholstery Trends Come Back? 2

In the first installment of our two-part … [more] about Will These Upholstery Trends Come Back? 2

10 Questions for Trimmer Jay Teske

You may have heard the name, but you’ve … [more] about 10 Questions for Trimmer Jay Teske

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - DIY Custom Headliner

DIY: Custom Headliner Madness

There are a lot of DIY auto upholstery videos … [more] about DIY: Custom Headliner Madness

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Rexel Pneumatic Lifting Table

Dream Garage: Pneumatic-Lifting Table

This is the first in a new series of articles … [more] about Dream Garage: Pneumatic-Lifting Table

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Stitches Fine Automotive Interiors

Junk in the Trunk: Don’t Hide It, Disguise It!

Upholstering a vehicle’s trunk can be … [more] about Junk in the Trunk: Don’t Hide It, Disguise It!

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026
  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in