Irene Meidel

MISHAWAKA - Irene Yolanda Meidel, 95, passed away on Sunday, June 9, following declining health due to Alzheimer's Disease in her home that she built with husband Edward Meidel in 1952. Irene was born November 2, 1928 in South Bend, IN to Joseph and Mary Hartman (Csertesz).

On December 20, 1947, shortly after they met at a dance at the South Bend Palais Royal, she married the love of her life. Irene lost Ed in 2018 after 70 happy years of marriage. She is survived by daughters, Cynthia Meidel of Mishawaka, Sandra (Joseph) Trimboli of Osceola; and son, Erick (Judy) Meidel of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, Jenna Trimboli of St. Paul, MN, Yolanda (Steve) Moilanen of Roanoke, IN, Joshua (Catherine) Cleghorn of Mishawaka, IN, and Sally (Josh) Meidel Ball of Tampa, FL; and several great-grandchildren.

Irene was also preceded in death by her eldest son, Mark Meidel in 2002, her granddaughters Ericka Werner and Sarah Koorn both in 2018; her siblings: Mary (Harry) Curtis, Joseph Hartman, Anton "Tony" Hartman, and, Elizabeth "Betty" (David) Gubi. Also surviving are siblings: Frank (Patricia) Hartman and Elsie Nyikos.

Growing up, Irene lived in South Bend taking care of her siblings after her mother's early death during her youth. Her time spent taking care of family highlighted her maternal aptitude that continued to blossom into one of her greatest strengths while raising her own loving family in Mishawaka.

After marriage, before starting her own family, she would ride her motorcycle to Ball-Band to work on the assembly line. Once Ed built his automobile garage and business Carburetor and Ignition Specialist, Irene acted as the company's Bookkeeper and Administrator for nearly 65 years.

Ever the gracious host, Irene was well known in her neighborhood and amongst friends for hosting pool parties for friends and neighborhood kids, dance parties, and more. Those who knew her best remember her back dive to be both elegant and charming.

Through the years, Irene was happiest spending time with her family, going to the movies, and going out to eat. She was a fixture in the family dynamic with an ever-present smile, being available for a comforting hug, a sandwich for lunch, the occasional swim rescue, going along to the beach, and playing board and card games. Irene also enjoyed word search and jigsaw puzzles.  She was a strong woman capable of caring for her home and lawn and snow shoveling into her 80s. When not helping her own family, Irene was using her time to help others. She was a habitual blood donor at South Bend Medical Foundation, donating for 50 odd years. She received an award for surpassing the 30 gallon milestone.

Living without her in our lives will end an era of comfort and joy that is unmatchable moving forward, but she leaves us with many great memories which will live in all of us forever.  Also missing her presence is her favorite cat Teddy Bear who brought her much comfort in her final years.

Per Irene's request, she was cremated and there will be no public service. The family will observe a private remembrance at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the final arrangements.

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