Irene Nemitz

Irene Helen Nemitz, 94, of Bridgman passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at her home in the care of her family.

Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Monday, Sept. 7 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman with Pastor Jon Bendewald officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 6-8 PM Sunday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hospice at Home or Berrien County Cancer Service.

Irene was born May 11, 1915 in Chicago. The ninth of 16 children born to Gustav and Anna (Hertzog) Nehring. The family moved to Bridgman in 1919.

Living on the family farm, located along Red Arrow Hwy in Bridgman, Irene and her siblings worked hard and enjoyed many hours exploring the beautiful woods and running through the dunes of Lake Michigan. Irene loved to sew and listen to music. Her favorite pastime was always reading.

Irene was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bridgman on May 26, 1929. She served on several church boards: the PTA, Ladies League and Mothers Clubs. Irene was very proud to have been a founding member and organizer of the Altar Guild.

She attended school in Bridgman and graduated in 1935 as the Salutatorian of her class. On November 23, 1935 she married Arthur Nemitz who preceded her in death on August 3, 1982. Irene worked along with her husband, first on his family’s dairy farm and then on their own farm, while they raised their sons Arthur Jr. and Gordon.

In 1948 they moved their family to town and together ran their business, The Bridgman Fruit Market. Several years later their daughter Ilene was born.

Irene used her love of sewing and crafts in many ways as a Brownie Leader. She made gowns for Immanuel’s Children’s Choir and also Confirmation gowns and banners. For many years Irene embroidered a napkin for each child baptized at Immanuel.

For 15 years, Irene volunteered at Lakeland Hospital at the information desk and also served the city of Bridgman as a member of the Library Board.

Survivors include a daughter, Ilene Nemitz of Bridgman; a son, Arthur (Linda) Nemitz of Portage and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Nemitz of Bridgman; five grandchildren: Rodney (Lisa) Nemitz, Lori (Vince) Rose, Jeffrey Nemitz, Julie (Richard) Madelung, Jennifer (Brian) Sharkey. Ten great grandchildren, Abbey and Zac Nemitz, Dylan and Lincoln Rose, Breanna and Katelyn Nemitz, Leo and Alaina Sharkey, Lucy and Eliza Madelung; a sister; Adeline Lemke of Arlington Heights IL and a brother, Herbert Nehring of Kalamazoo.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son Gordon and seven brothers and six sisters.

Visitation

Sunday September 6, 2009 , 6-8PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

Funeral Service

Monday September 7, 2009 , 11AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church