Published: August 27, 2008 09:15 pm            

Irene Morris Fleschner

Irene Morris Fleschner, 80, passed away at 9:42 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, in her home, in the loving presence of her husband, family and special friends. Irene was born on July 17, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Georgia Morris. She was raised on a farm in rural Prairieton. She had two brothers, Ransford and Bill Morris, and one sister, Pauline Holmes. Her brothers and sister preceded her in death, as did her parents.

Irene married the love of her life, George Fleschner, on Sept. 26, 1947. Irene and George had two sons, Steve and Larry Fleschner. Her youngest son, Larry, passed away on Sept. 30, 2007, after a long battle with colon cancer. Larry loved his mother dearly, and Irene missed Larry immensely after his passing. It is comforting to Irene’s family that Larry and Irene are together again. Irene has one daughter-in-law, Kathy Fleschner. Irene loved and treated Kathy as the daughter she never had. Irene also has four grandchildren, Paul Steven Fleschner, Kristin Anne Fleschner, Kathryn Ellen Fleschner, and Timothy Joseph Fleschner. She showered her love on them.

Irene worked for and retired from Pfizer, Inc. She enjoyed working with her friends at Pfizer. However, the focal point of her life was her family and faith. She was a loving and devoted wife to George, a kind and understanding mother to Larry and Steve, and a supportive and giving grandma to Paul, Kristin, Katie, and Tim. Irene loved to cook and bake, and her children and grandchildren rarely missed a Sunday dinner at Grandma’s table. Her favorite times of the year were the holidays, especially Christmas, when she would decorate, bake and have dinners and parties for her family and friends.

Irene was a member of Faith Wesleyan Church for nearly 60 years. She was a Sunday School teacher, a leader of the youth Junior Church, and a teacher in Vacation Bible School. One of Irene’s favorite and cherished activities was attending the weekly Tuesday morning Ladies Prayer Group at Faith Wesleyan. For nearly 30 years every Tuesday morning she would meet her friends and relatives at the church, pray together, cry together, laugh together, and support each other. They would conclude their meeting by going to lunch and enjoying each other’s company.

Irene would often make meals for friends and acquaintances that were ill. She was especially well known for her coconut crème pie, raspberry pie, and homemade yeast rolls. Over the years, Irene sent hundreds if not thousands of cards to those in need of encouragement. She was a great listener, always sensitive to the concerns of others. Friends and family were never in doubt of Irene’s unconditional love.

Irene is survived by her husband, George, who demonstrated his love for Irene by devoting his life to care for her during her Alzheimer’s illness. She also is survived by her son, Steve and his wife Kathy, and her grandchildren, Paul, Kristin, Katie and Tim. She also is survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many close friends.

Donations may be made to the Irene and George Fleschner Prayer Chapel Fund, c/o Faith Wesleyan Church, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Faith Wesleyan Church, with the Rev. Dan Gormong and Dr. Mark Fleschner officiating, and graveside services are at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today in DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Drive.

        

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