Irene L. Menchinger

Irene L. Menchinger, 65, of Baroda, died unexpectedly, Thursday March 2, 2006 with her husband of 43 years, Roger, at her side after a valiant two year battle with amyothrophic lateral sclerosis better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Throughout her struggle she amazed everyone with her positive attitude and cheery disposition. Family and friends may call Sunday, March 5 from 2:00-6:00 P.M. at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association. Those wishing to share a memory may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Irene was born on September 7, 1940 to Johann “Hans” and Paula (Hugel) Gotz in Wurzburg, Germany. She came to the United States with her husband, Roger L. Menchinger, after his military service, where she became a citizen. They had been married on November 3, 1962 in Wurzburg. Irene had completed her vocational education at the Wurzburg Berufschule and was extremely proud to earn a high school diploma in this country at Lakeshore High School after her children had grown. She was a skilled homemaker who was happy to apply her skills for the benefit of her children and grandchildren. She loved entertaining family and friends and always planned something special. Irene is survived by her husband, her daughters Cheri Lynn Kalin of St. Joseph, and Karol Ann (Chris) Behrle of Niles, twin grandsons Alan Negron with the Air Force in Minot, ND and Christopher Negron of Chicago and granddaughter Lucie Irene Behrle of Niles. Also surviving are her brother-in-law James Menchinger and his wife Donna of Portage, Michigan and her sister-in-law, Inge Gotz of Wurzburg, Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents, her elder sister Liselotte Di Nucci on June 30, 1994 and her brother Kurt Gotz on May 7, 2005.