Ilse McFate, age 82, of Springfield, MO, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2010 at St. John’s Medical Center. She was born June 16, 1928, in Reibertenrod, Germany, to Otto and Emilie Habermehl. She worked as an interpreter and security screener at Rhein/Mein Air Force Base in Germany prior to her marriage to Donald McFate August 13, 1952, in Bern, Switzerland. She also worked as a medical assistant in a local physician’s office. She was a member of the National Avenue Christian Church. She was an avid gardener, gifted seamstress, volunteered with various organizations including Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Martha’s Circle through the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and one son Kirk McFate.
She is survived by her husband Donald McFate of the home; four children: Barbara Peck of Springfield, MO, Donald McFate, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Rogersville, MO, Laura Petiford of Fairfield, CT, and Ann Chambers and her husband Dale of Springfield, MO; one daughter-in-law Cindi McFate of Poynette, WI; one sister Helma Bucking of Germany; 10 grandchildren: Michael Clary, Emily Clayton, Bobby Clayton, Grant Harris, Kal McFate, Kathryn Petiford, Julie Petiford, Nathan Chambers, Whitney Gutierrez, and Austin Chambers; three great grandchildren; three nieces in Germany; as well as many other relatives, friends, and her cherished maltese dog.
A memorial family gathering will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South, Springfield, MO.