Irene (Demant) Hobrath, beloved wife, mother, Omi, sister, aunt, cousin, and sweet friend to many, passed away on April 7, 2024, at the age of 73. Irene fought breast cancer bravely for many years, and though we lost her, what feels like far too soon, we are grateful for the full and beautiful life we were able to share with her. Daughter of Friedrich and Natalie (Rode) Demant, Irene was born in Aachen, Germany, during the rebuilding of Germany, after the close of World War II. Just a couple years earlier in 1948, like many ethnic Germans whose lives were also destroyed by Hitler’s war, her parents (her mom then pregnant with her older sister, Hilda) and three older brothers, Reinhardt, Arthur, and Wilhelm, were forced to flee their home and family farm in Poland in fear of Soviet partisan retribution. Hardest goodbyes were to their adopted older daughter, Marianna, orphaned during the war, who chose to stay behind in Poland. Times were uncertain for all, but God’s loving hand continued to rest upon each of them. After a harrowing journey, Irene’s family found their way to safety in American occupied Germany. Eventually resettled to Aachen and safe from harm, the family began to rebuild their lives. Soon Hilda was born, and just fourteen months later, Irene followed her big sister into this world! From the start, they were the closest of sisters and best of friends. Greatly cherished, Irene’s earliest years were shaped by her family’s love for each other, as well as their love for God. In Aachen, her parents opened their home to other Christians who needed a place to gather and worship. From her earliest days, faith was a foundational part of her life, as was the value of sharing it with others. In December of 1955, when Irene was five, they immigrated to the US and joined family already settled in Huntington, NY. Her father’s cousin took them into their family home and they soon adapted to their new lives. As a school-aged child, much to her chagrin, Irene was often observed by her teachers as being shy. However, her sweet and kind disposition always drew others to her and from early on she made friends easily and treasured her friendships dearly. As a student, she was conscientious and grew to be fastidious in completing projects and tasks, which would become a defining trait in her life. When Irene’s oldest brother, Reinhardt, married, Irene and Hilda gained a beloved “older” sister in Carol, who lovingly took both girls under her wing. It was Carol who taught them how to sew their own clothing, which would become a passion and hobby of Irene’s for years to come. Irene soon became doting young aunt and as each of the siblings married and had children, she continued to find joy in new family members. In Huntington, her family became members of an English-speaking church. But when her parents saw a need, they once again opened their home as a place of gathering and worship, holding services in German on Sunday afternoons with their German neighbors. They became involved with the German District of the Assemblies of God and began to travel each summer to Bethel Park German Bible Camp in Bridgeman, Michigan. It was at Bethel Park one summer as a young teen, that Irene looked out of the window of their lodging and noticed a young man named Henry Hobrath, and famously thought to herself “Never him…” In 1968, Irene graduated high school and took her first job as a secretary working for Allstate Insurance Company and began to spread her wings.  Eventually, through family friends in South Jersey, she would once again cross paths with Henry Hobrath, but this time she would see him in a much different light. They married in 1972 and would go on to celebrate over 51 years of marriage together! Together in NJ their roots grew deep. They welcomed their daughter Janette into their lives and built their first home with the help of family and friends. Irene’s parents soon followed from NY and built a house next door to them. The short path between their homes became well-worn. Over the years, they often traveled to see family, and in turn often received family into their home. When Irene’s father passed, they moved into her mother’s home. Irene was a truly devoted daughter, and loving wife and mother. Throughout her life, Irene gave generously of her heart and time to serve others. Together with Henry, she was a committed member of their neighborhood church (German Full Gospel Church, then Good News Assembly of God) where she served in many capacities over the years. But perhaps her greatest role, was as host and friend as she opened their home to others and made it a welcome place to gather. Together Henry and Irene became second parents to many and a fixture in many people’s lives. After retirement and nearly forty years of living in New Jersey, Henry and Irene moved to Springfield, MO to live near their daughter and son-in-law, and eventually, granddaughter. Nothing brought more joy to Irene’s heart then becoming an Omi to Scarlett! She loved being a grandmother. Here in Springfield, Irene and Henry also devoted themselves to a new church family and endeared themselves to a new network of neighbors and friends. And as she had been there for so many others over the years, in her time of need, so many were there for her. Irene loved dearly and was dearly loved. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Evangel Temple, Springfield MO.

Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Evangel Temple, burial to follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery 1:00 PM.