Irene Josephine Friesenhahn

With great sadness, love and profound gratitude, the family of Irene Josephine Friesenhahn, age 94 of Schertz, Texas, announce her passing on Saturday April 27 at her home in her sleep. Irene was born on June 9, 1929, in New Braunfels, Texas to Sophie and Frank Froelich. She grew up in New Braunfels and graduated from New Braunfels High School, where she was a member of the pep squad!

She met the love of her life, Mathew Friesenhahn, and they were married for over 55 years. Irene enjoyed fishing with friends, traveling and dancing to polka and waltz music. Mathew maintained a large garden which had Irene spending many summers pickling and canning vegetables. She was well known for her delicious pickles!

Irene was also an avid 9-pin bowler at Bracken Bowling Club for over 65 years. She enjoyed traveling around to different 9-pin bowling clubs, with family and friends. Dominoes were played many nights throughout her life, and in her later years she picked up solitaire and word games. She was a member of The St. Ann’s Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Selma, Texas for 51 years.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Mathew Friesenhahn, her parents Sophie and Frank Froelich, her sister Madelyn (Elgin) Schmidt, and Daughter-in-law Stephanie Friesenhahn.

She is survived by her 11 children, Alice (Harry) Wagener, Barbara (TC) Saurman, Veronica (John) Long, Judy (Paul) Hambrick, Grace (Ron) Davis, Mark Friesenhahn, Phyllis (Larry) Henzen, Carol (Tom) Murray, Eric (Janet) Friesenhahn, Betty (Harvey) Holmes and Ryan (Shirley) Friesenhahn. Irene is also survived by her 28 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and dear friends. With additional gratitude to her caregiver Velma Gonzaba.

Irene will be dearly missed, having left a mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will live forever in our hearts.

Danke schön, bitte schön, Auf Wiedersehen