Irene Catherine Friemoth

Irene Catherine Friemoth, 84, of Van Wert died Monday, June 15, 2020 at home after an extended illness.

Irene was born Nov. 30, 1935, in Ottoville, Ohio to the late Henry and Clara (Deitering) Koester.  On April 25, 1959 she married Donald N. Friemoth, who preceded her in death on March 10, 2019.

Irene is survived by her children, Timothy (Melissa) Friemoth and Michael Friemoth DVM of Van Wert and Linda (Michael) Hawk of Rockford; five grandchildren, Shae Friemoth, Skyler Friemoth, Haley Hawk, Nicholas Hawk, and Zachary Hawk.  She is survived by one sister, Mary Jane Burgei of Cloverdale and one sister-in-law, Marita Koester of Burnsville, Minnesota.  She was also preceded in death by infant twin daughters, Debra and Diane; her seven brothers; Roman, Alphonse, Gerald, Victor, Virgil, Jerome, and Clarence; sisters, Mildred Wannemacher, Rita Burgei and her twin sister, Eileen Sanders.

Irene was a 1954 graduate of Ottoville High School.  She worked as a bookkeeper for Western Auto in Van Wert, a personal assistant to Martha Droll Walker, a sales person for Martha Droll Realty, and a bookkeeper and custodian for Olympic Lanes.  Irene worked with her husband, Don, a land surveyor, for over 20 years.  She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.  Irene volunteered countless hours for years working in the flower gardens at St. Mary's Church.

Irene was an animal lover, especially Beagles, and loved gardening and working outdoors.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, June 22, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert with Father Charles Obinwa officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, June 21, 2020 at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert followed by a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church or garden fund, or to an animal rescue organization of the donors choice.