Irene M. Barnhorst, age 99 of Batesville, died Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in Helena, Montana. Born October 29, 1917 in New Alsace, Indiana, she is the daughter of Catherine (Nee: Hoffbauer) and Louis Fritsch. She married Herman Barnhorst April 6, 1940 at St. Paul’s Church in New Alsace and he preceded her in death May 8, 2006. A homemaker, Irene worked part time at the Napoleon Locker Plant for 20 years and was a member of St. Louis Church.
Her family indicated that mom never met a stranger and that she loved having company and talking on the telephone. She was also a terrific cook and baker. They remember the smell of homemade bread frequently filling the house and will miss her fried chicken, corn, German potato salad and her homemade noodles. The church festival will miss her pies, cakes and coleslaw. For years, she put out a large garden and canned the excess each year. Irene also enjoyed eating out. Her favorite spots were the Hobo Hut and the Brau House and with someone else doing the cooking she liked attending the local church festivals for their fried chicken. When it was time to relax, she watched I.U. basketball or the Lawrence Welk Show.
Irene is survived by her sons Raymond Barnhorst of Columbus, Indiana, Paul Barnhorst of Helena, Montana, Robert Barnhorst of Cincinnati, Ohio, Gerald Barnhorst of Edinburg, Indiana; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sister Rita Abplanalp; brothers Stanley and Alfred Fritsch and grandchild Brian Barnhorst.
Visitation is Friday, January 13th, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, January 14th, at St. Maurice Church in Napoleon with Rev. Bill Turner officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the St. Maurice Cemetery Fund or the Hospice of St. Peter’s.