Clare E. Irrgang's Obituary
Clare E. Irrgang, age 92 of Batesville, died Monday, August 3, 2015 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born October 2, 1922 in Morris, Indiana, she is the daughter of Margaret (Nee: Martin) and William Voegele. She married Cecil Brunner on May 11, 1943 at St. Anthony's Church in Morris and he died December 19, 1945 in Germany during World War II. On June 3, 1953 she married Allen Irrgang at St. Anthony’s Church in Morris. She worked around raising her family as a Paralegal Secretary for Wycoff, Greeman and Kellerman Law Office, retiring after spending 30 years with the firm. Active in several organizations, she was a member of St. Louis Church, Knights of St. John’s Ladies Auxiliary, Daughters of Isabella, Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 Ladies Auxiliary and a Co-founder and life member of the Batesville Beautification League.
Coming from a large family, Clare learned hard work at an early age. As a teenager she spent a summer in Cincinnati doing housekeeping for several families. She was awarded an academic scholarship to Indiana University, but because of a lack of funds for room and board, she would have to turn it down. Instead, she accepted the position at the law firm where she became an invaluable asset. Through the years, Clare enjoyed several hobbies and interests. An expert seamstress, she made many of her family's clothes for years. She loved raising roses, working Word Jumbles, playing 500 and Bridge, watching her birds and Days of Our Lives. Clare was very proud of her Irish heritage, was a long time member of a coffee klatch that met twice a month and loved attending the summer band concerts Friday evenings at the park. A good cook, Clare’s apple pies were unbeatable in part because she made the best pie crust. Clare and Andy were able to travel quite a bit over the years and were fortunate to be able to visit many parts of the world. Although several countries in Europe provided memorable trips, a cruise to the Caribbean Islands was among their favorite. Faith was important to Clare and she volunteered countless hours at church. A long time Eucharistic Minister and Lector until recently, she also helped in the school cafeteria and at the annual church picnic for years.
She is survived her husband Andy; daughters Ellen Lutterloh of Lafayette, Indiana, Christine Evans of Indianapolis; sons and daughters-in-law Martin and Connie Brunner, John and Janna Irrgang, all of Batesville; sister Ruth Simmermeyer of South Bend, Indiana; brother Tony Voegele of Batesville; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Cecil and her parents, she is also preceded in death by her sister Louise Voegele and brothers William, Paul, James, Martin, Daniel, Louis and Lawrence Voegele.
Visitation is Thursday, August 6th, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home, with a rosary service at 5 p.m. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 7th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating and burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Batesville Beautification League or St. Louis School.
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