Irene Zipfel

DEFIANCE - Irene G. Zipfel, 98, of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born on December 2, 1925, to the late Francis and Anna (Siler) Sheets in Defiance, Ohio. Irene was a 1944 graduate of Jewell High School. On April 21, 1947, she married Howard Zipfel, who preceded her in death on January 2, 1980.

Irene was an active and faithful member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Defiance, where she received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage. After marriage, she became a member of Marysdale Immaculate Concepcion Church (St. Isidore Catholic Church) where she remained a member of the Altar Rosary Society. Her Catholic faith was a guiding force in her life which she instilled in her family. Irene's devotion to her family was an inspiration, and her positive spirit and drive will never be forgotten. Her greatest love was her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She shared her gift of pie-making, and enjoyed baking pies for many festivals and bake sales. She was an avid fan of all her grandchildren's activities.

Irene was a member of Defiance Eagles #372, Moose Lodge #2094, Jewell Legion, and VFW #3360, where she helped in the kitchen. She worked at All Star Products during the war, in the Bakery at Bargain City, and Defiance County Auditor's Office for over 17 years. Irene loved to bowl and helped her sister Coletta who owned the Defiance Recreation Bowling Alley. She enjoyed taking bus trips organized by Coletta, and driven by Tom who remained a faithful friend to the end. Her grandchildren will forever remember her famous Gramma-Rene Jello-Jigglers. She loved doing word search puzzles, Solitaire, and keeping in touch with family and friends through Facebook and texts on her phone. Irene spent countless hours placing flowers and tending to the family graves. She will be greatly missed by her family and so many who loved her.

Irene is survived by her children; Karen (Doug) Karr, Elaine (Mark) Flory, Carol (James) McCann, Eric Zipfel, and Mark Zipfel, all of Defiance, and daughter-in-law Shirley Zipfel. She was a proud grandmother to 25 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and 2 great-great grandchildren, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sons; Bradley, Gary and Thomas Zipfel, seven sisters; Rosie Gladieux, Theresa Hoffman, Agnes VanDoren, Esther Batt, Mary Kuhn, Hildonna Hesselschwardt, and Coletta Sheets, four brothers; Joseph, Wesley, Paul, and Martin Sheets, and daughter-in-law Sheryl Zipfel.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 2 - 8 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton St.) in Defiance, with a Rosary Service at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with Fr. George Wenzinger and Fr. Melwin D'Souza officiating. Following the service, Irene will be laid to rest at Marysdale Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice, or St. Michael's Catholic Church Parish Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.