Irwin Ware Obituary

BEAR LAKE — Irwin Ware, age 68, passed away at Munson Medical Center on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by the family he loved so much.

Irwin Willis Ware was born on May 3, 1939, at the Ware family farm in Bear Lake. He was the third son of Roy and Verona (Bowen) Ware.

Following his graduation from Bear Lake Schools, Irwin joined the United States Army for four years.

Irwin enjoyed woodworking and tinkering with any kind or size of motor. He loved the outdoors and was an inventor. Best of all, he loved hunting and fishing, especially when accompanied by family and friends. He happily spent a good deal of his time recently in his new pole barn built to house his tools, hobbies and "collection" of hats.

Irwin married Mary Lou Prachar on Nov. 30, 1963, in the United Methodist Church of Bear Lake, where he was a longtime active member, and had served as a greeter.

He retired from Sara Lee of Traverse City in June 2004.

Irwin was an intelligent, kind, gentle man with a great sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. Most of all, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and son who will be cherished forever by his family and friends.

Irwin is survived by his wife, Mary; and his children, Elaine (Bill) Beaver, Ginger (Paul) Sulisz, Lorrell (Dave) Guerra, Sandra (Dean) Fraley and Irwin Patrick (Tammie) Ware. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin Beaver, Alena and Jenna Sulisz, Benjamin and Brandon Guerra, Dean II and Randall Fraley, and Kailyn and Mindy Kate Ware; plus two great-granddaughters, Mariah and Karlee. He is also survived by his brothers, Nathan (Lynda) Ware and Marvin Ware; his sister, Joy (James) Babcock; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Elroy) Ware and PatsyAnn (Dennis) Risser; plus numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Irwin was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Elroy, Merle and Donald (stillborn); his father- and mother-in-law, Frank and Lottie Prachar; and a nephew, Johnny Marvin Ware.

As a young man, Irwin was a fantastic trumpet player whose talent was frequently compared to Al Hirt. Irwin played taps at innumerable military funerals. His family is comforted by the knowledge that he will once again be able to hear and enjoy the music he loved so much. Does heaven need another fabulous trumpet player?

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bear Lake. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the United Methodist Church of Bear Lake. The service will be preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. and followed by a luncheon at the church.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bear Lake.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.